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No.  CXXIV. 


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TPIE  KING'S  lllYAL; 

OR, 

THE  COURT  AND  THE  STAGE. 

A  DRAMA,  IN  FIVE  ACTS. 


TOM    TAYLOR  AND    CHARLES    READE, 

AUTHORS    OF      "'masks     AND     FACES,"     "  TWO    LOVES    AND    A    LIFE," 
ETC.   KTC. 


To  WIIICII    AnE    ADDED, 

A    Description    of  tlie    Costume — Cast  of  the  Characters— Entrances   and  Exit* 
Kelative   Positions  of  the   Performers  on  the  Stage,  and  the  whole  of  the 
Stage  Business. 

AS  PERFORMED  AT   THE  NEW  YORK  THEATRES. 


NEW-YORK: 
SAMUEL    FRENCH, 

121    NASS  A  U-STRI;KT. 


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—  Mr? 


f •>  s  eu  5;>:  =  •^  ■= 


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(u_2  I'D-,  t-O*-  — 


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ONIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
SANTA   BARBARA 


©ostumc. — The  King's  Rltal. 


(Court  Costumes  of  Keign  of  Charles  II ) 


STAGE  DIRECTIONS. 


EXITS    AND    ENTRANCES. 


L.  means  First  Entrance,  Left.  R.  First  Entrance,  Rir^ht.  S.  E.  L. 
Second  Entrance,  Left.  S.  E.  R.  Second  Entrance,  Jiieht.  U.  E.  L. 
UppCr  Eyitrance,  Left.  U.  E.  R.  Upper  Entrance,  Risht  (/.  Centre. 
L.  C.  Left  of  Centre  R.  C.  Rishtof  Centre.  T.  E.  L  Third  Entrance, 
Left.  f.  E.  R.  Third  Entrance,  Ri^ht.  C.  D.  Centre  Door.  D.  11, 
Door  Rmht.  D.  L.  Door  Left.  U.  D.  L.  Upper  Door,  Left.  U.  D.  II. 
Ujiper  Door,  Riaht. 

*,*"     The  Reader  is  supposed  to  he  on  the  Stage,  facing  the  Audience. 


THE  KING'S  RIVAL. 


AOT  I. 

SCENE.— T^^c  Maflcd  Gallery  of  Whitehall.— Lar^c  practicable  glass 
doors  c.  leading  to  the  Park.—  Large  double  do:irs  leading  off  u.  e.  r. 
to  the  King's  apartments . — Large  double  doors  leading  off  u.  e.  l.  lead- 
ing  to  the  Queen's  apartments. — Large  windows  r.  arid  l.  2  e.  vnlh, 
curtain.'!. — Buckhursv,  Etherege,  and  Ogle,  forvi  group  near  table, 
L.  H. — Lord  Shaftesbury  at  table  r. — Courtiers  about  stage. 

Ether,  (c.)  Nay,  'tis  certain  the  Duchess  and  his  Majesty  arc  off. 
Will  Ghifiinch  tells  me  'twas  a  rare  scene.  First,  the  lady  scolded  and 
the  King  swore,  then  the  King  scolded  and  the  lady  swore,  but  his 
Majesty  was  firm  for  once. 

Buck,  (l.)  The  Duchess  out  of  favor  ! — rot  it,  I  had  a  suit  to  his 
Majesty  that  the  Duchess  had  stood  my  friend  in — for  a  ship. 

Shaft,  (r.)  The  Duchess  out!  Humph  I  And  who  is  the  royal 
favorite  now  ? 

Oi'/e.  ((-.  c.)  Fair  Jenninnrs.  for  a  thousand. 
Ether,  (c.)  No  ;   'tis  not  fair  Jennini;s. 

Ogle.  'Tis  some  play-house  wench  then  !  Gad's  my  life,  it  is  little 
Nelly. 

Buck.  Mrs.  Gwynne  of  the  King's  House? 

Ogle.  Even  so.     Will  Chiffinch  says  the  King   hath  cast   his  royal 
cheep's  eyes  on  the  fresh  little  rogue. 
Buck.  'Tis  a  lie  ! 
Os^le.  I  fiercely.]  How! 
Buck.  Of  that  knave  Chiffinch. 
Ogle.  Oh  ! 
Ether.  Pshaw  !     Where  are  your  eyes  1     The  lady  who  has  ousted 

the  Duchess,  Fair  Jennings,  Moll  Davies,  and  all  the  rest,  is 

Omnrj.  Wliot 

Ether.  Mrs.  Stewart ; — he's  deeper  in  love  with  her  than  he  hath  been 
with  woman  yet  since  Lucy  "V^'alters. 

Offle.  'Tis  true  he  hath  taken  -her  much  apart  of  late. 
Elhcr.  And  his  eyes  follow  her  like  a  pair  of  bailiiis. 


TUE    KING  S    RIVAL.  5 

Shaft.  (I  must  be  better  acquainted  with  this'  lady  ) 

Eilier.  Why  'twas  for  jealousy  of  her  the  Duchess  broke  out  last 
night ! 

Buck.  (I'm  glad  'tis  not  Nelly.)  This  will  be  sour  news  for  Rich- 
mond. 

Ogle.  'Tis  true  the  Duke  of  Richmond  has  long  followed  Mistress 
Stewart. 

Buck.  Oh,  a  sea  Strephon  !  Has  her  portrait  in  his  cabin  aboard 
the  "  Rupert,"  and  worships  it  as  the  Muscovites  do  their  St.  Nicholas. 

Ogle.  Here  comes  that  prince  of  newsmongers,  Sam  Pepys,  he'll 
know  all. 

Enter  Pepys,  followed  by  his  hrolhcr  John,  l.  1  e. 

Pcpy-i.  A  good  day  to  your  lordship  ;  a  good  day,  my  Lord  Buckhurst ; 
genilemen  all,  your  servant.  My  brother,  my  lord,  John  Pepys,  from 
the  university.  [a.s?(/e  to  John  ]  Bear  thyself  easily,  John.  A  njodest 
youth,  whom  I  crave  leave  to  connneiid  to  your  lordship.  I  had  a  word 
to  say  to  your  lordship  touching  the  fleet,  and  the  payment  of  the 
sailors. 

tihiifl.  By-and-by,  sir ;  I  have  other  business  now.  Sir  George,  a 
word.   [Ether,  turns  to  Sh.4FT.] 

Pcpya  (l.  c  )  Ah  !  'tis  so  with  them  all  ;  talk  of  money  and  they're 
deaf  1  But  you're  from  the  fleet,  my  lord.  \_to  Buck]  You  saw  the 
fight. 

Buck,  (c.)  And  so  would  hear  no  more  of  it.  I'd  as  lief  hear  of  the 
plague. 

Pepys.  As  your  lordship  says — the  plague — [the  bills  are  up  again 
this  week — 110  dead  in  All-hallows  Ward — and  the  pretty  fat  widow  in 
the  New  Exchange  gone,  that  I  bought  a  pair  of  laced  gloves  of  only 
last  week  ;  'tis  most  grievous — 1  had  to  burn  the  gloves] 

Buck    Rot  the  plague  !     I  would  hear  of  the  play-house,  man. 

Pepys.  Ah  !  'tis  dull — dull — would  they  but  give  us  more  of  Ethe- 
rege,  and  less  of  that  tame  rogue,  Shakespeare.  They  talk  of  his 
"  Midsuinmer  Night's  Dream," — poor,  insipid  stuff,  methinks.  No, 
give  me  Nelly  in  Florimel ;  she  do  jilay  the  most  excellent  mad  fool  I 
ever  saw  in  my  life.     I  saw  her  last  night — The  King  was  there. 

Buck.  Ah! 

Pepys.  And,  Lord  !  to  see  how  he  do  gaze  and  sigh  after  her. 

Buck.  Eh  !     After  Nelly — it  cannot  be. 

Pcprjs.  Doubtless  as  your  lordship  says,  'tis  impossible  ;  methinks  he 
is  mad  now  for  Misu  Stewart — getting  her  into  corners,  and — [o//.'<ervcs 
John  ] — further  otf,  John,  we  are  on  state  matters.  But  the  Dutch, 
niy  lord — the  late  action — you  were  in  it — was  it  a  victory  ! 

Buck.  1  know  not  whether  'twas  a  victory  or  not  ;  I  saw  nothing  but 
.•smoke,  and  smelt  nothing  but  stinkpots  ;  ask  Richmond,  he  brings 
letters  and  a  Dutch  flag. 

Pepys.  A  Dutch  flag  I  Ah  !  his  grace  of  Richmond.  There  is  a 
man  !   eh,  my  lord  ! 

Bvck.  Pshaw,  a  water  drinker! 

Pepys.  As  your  lordship  says,  a  sober  knave. 


6  THE    KIKJt  S    RIVAL. 

Buck.  But  about  Nelly  ? 

Pepys.  Oh,  the  inadilcst  rogue  !  I  saw  her  in  their  tiring-room  last 
night,  [/o  John  ]  W'liat  I  you  must  be  thrusting  yourself  into  aliairs  of 
policy  'i 

John.   Nay,  brother  !    [retires  n])'\ 

Pepys.  And  what's  better  still,  1  kissed  her  too  ! 

Buck.  And  she  culled  thee,  I'll  be  sworn. 

Pepys.  As  your  lordship  says — in  some  sort  she  did  ;  'tis  a  playful 
thing. 

Buck,  [gravely.]  Well,  Mr.  Pepys,  take  my  advice — kiss  her  no 
more. 

Pepys.  Why  not,  my  lord  ? 

Buck.  Because  if  my  sword  come  about  your  ears,  'twill  sting  them 
worse  than  her  hand 

Pepys.  Ugh  !     Your  lordship  is  merry. 

Buck.  No  !  I  am  in  eavnesl  !  What  says  Mrs.  Pepys  to  such  wild 
doings  ] 

Fepys.  My  wife,  poor  wretch.  Ha,  ha,  ha  !  \^gravely.']  But  your  lord- 
ship will  not  mention  it  to  her ! 

Buck.  Make  yourself  easj  on  that  head,  [lotuhes  sword  hiU.'\  This  is 
all  the  risk  you  run.  [Pep\s  retires  up.'\  Ha  !  My  nostrils  are  offended 
with  the  odor  of  sanctity  and  .=alt  water.  See,  boys,  see  ;  here  comes 
Richmond,  with  that  black  puritan,  Major  Wildman. 

Ogle.  Let's  bait  them  both. 

Enter  Richmond,  l.  n.  1  e. 

Rich.  (This  is  Whitehall.  I  shall  see  her  once  again.  I  shall  lay 
my  flag  at  the  feet  of  the  gracious  sovereign  I  love  and  serve  ;  and  a 
look  and  a  word  from  the  queen  of  my  heart  will  repay  me  for  past 
danger  and  separation.) 

Enter  Major  Wildman,  l.  1  e. 

Wild.  (Now  to  see  who,  amidst  all  these  fools  and  triflers,  I  can  win 
to  our  great  cause, — the  cause  of  heaven  and  the  people.) 

Rich.  (l.  c.)  My  heart  bounds  with  pro[)hetic  joy,  and  loyalty  and 
love. 

Ether    (r.  c.)  Welcome  from  sea,  my  lord,  laurels  and  all. 

Ogle,  (c.)  And  never  a  willow  among  'em  vet. 

Rich.  Good  day,  Sir  George  Etherege.  Sir  Thomas  Ogle,  you  are 
merry. 

Wild,  (l.)  And  have  they  not  cause  1  The  Dutch  beating  us  at  sea  ; 
the  plague  scourging  us  on  shore  ;  the  King's  exchequer  bankrupt. 
What  should  they  do  but  be  merry  '\ 

Buck,  (c  )  At  least  there's  some  merit  in  merriment  under  the  awful 
shadow  of  Major  Wildman. 

Wild.  Each  to  his  calling,  my  lord.  You  thrust  with  the  tongue,  I 
wear  my  wit  here  [touches  sword.^  much  at  your  service. 

Ogle.  (The  Drawcansir.) 

Rich.  His  Majesty  is  late.  I  long  to  behold  his  gracious  counte- 
nance.    There  is  but  one  face  here  I  more  desire  to  see  again. 


THE    KING  S     RIVAL.  7 

Buch.  You,  may,  perhaps,  have  a  double  pleasure  ;  you  may  see 
them  together. 

Rich.  (What  means  he  1)  I  have  a  Dutch  flag  to  lay  at  his  Majesty's 
feel. 

Ether.  Nay,  the  flag  should  be  laid  at  the  feet  of  Britannia,  who  now 
fiirurcs  on  earth  and  British  halfpence,  under  the  form  of  La  Belle 
Stewart. 

Buck.  The  King  hath  been  a  hoarder  of  halfpence  ever  since  the  new 
coinage.  'Tin  a  politic  device  of  my  Lord  Treasurer  to  teach  his  Ma- 
jesty saving. 

Jiic/i.  I  do  not  understand.     Is  this  jesting  1 

Buck.  Sober  truth.  Who  has  a  penny- piece  1  [courtiers  search  their 
pockets.  John  Pkpvs  produces  a  penny.]  Sec,  observe  his  Majesty's 
head,  which  heaven  preserve.  Reverse,  Miss  Stewart's  portrait,  with 
Britannia's  helmet  and  trident. 

Ether.  The  only  fault  the  King  finds  in  the  die  is,  that  their  two 
heads  are  not  on  the  same  side  of  the  coin. 

Rich.  (This  is  but  to  chafe  me.  Her  name  shall  not  be  fouled  in  a 
quarrel  with  these  court  moths.)  [retires  7/^.] 

Ether.  Habel  I   how  he  winced  ! 

Ogle.  Every  hit  went  home. 

Wild.  (Jealous  !   and  of  the  King  !     Ah  !  here's  stuff  to  work  on.) 

Buck.  ([  feel  for  him  :  'tis  ill  jesting  with  jealousy.  These  tales 
about  Nelly  and  the  King  I  Let  him  take  the  Maids  of  Honor,  and 
welcome  ;  but  when  it  comes  to  the  players, — peste  !  'tis  scandalous.) 
[they  group  \,..  a  little  hack.] 

Fcpys.  [To  Jou\.]  'Tis  a  duke,  John.  Now  mark  how  I  accost 
him.  My  Lord  Duke,  I  make  bold  to  put  myself  on  your  Grace'  mem- 
ory. 

Rich.  (l.  c.)  Ah  !  Master  Samuel  Pepys,  I  think. 

I'cpys.  (c  )  I  saw  your  Grace  at  our  olfice  before  the  fleet  sailed,  alniut 
the  pay  of  the  men  on  board  your  Grace's  ship,  the  "  Rupert."  Sad 
grumbling  knaves,  your  Grace. — they  make  me  mad,  sometimes.  They 
have  the  foulest  tricks  :  one  of  them  lay  a-dying  right  before  the  oliice 
windows,  no  later  than  yesterday,  of  the  scurvy. 

Rich.  \^Miiie  the  money  that  should  go  for  their  food  and  medicine  is 
lavished  on  these  butterflies.  I  never  come  to  Whitehall.  Master  Pepys, 
but  I  long  to  shake  the  gold  olf  these  gentlemen's  coats  into  my  poor 
fellows'  pockets. 

Pcpi/s.  Bat  this  action,  my  lord  ;  how  did  it  go  1  Doubtless  it  was  a 
victory  ;  but  I  cannot  hear  of  any  prizes  taken. 

Rich.  A  victory  !  Oil,  yes.  [ironically.]  We  have  but  lost  fourteen 
ships. 

Fcpys.  i\Icrcy  on  mc  ! 

lltch.  And  seven  run  aground  on  the  Galloper  Sand  ;  and  the  enemy 
has  not  chased  us  further  up  the  river  than  Chatham,  this  time.  So 
past  doubt  it  is  a  victory. 

Pepys.  Alack  a-day  !  Here'll  be  more  ships  to  find,  and  no  money  ! 
Still  it  is  a  comfort  we  have  a  Dutch  flag. 

Rich.  Let  us  make  much  of  it — for  the  Dutch  have  some  ten  of  ours, 


8  THE    king's    rival. 

to  set  against  that  one  bit  of  bunting.  But  wl»at  can  you  expect  from  a 
fleet,  where  the  best  title  to  promotion  is  the  gooJ  word  of  a  royal  ihis- 
tress,  ami  the  worst  discredit,  to  have  followed  the  sea  from  boyho'jd  ! 

J'ejiys.  'Tis  true,  these  geuileiiieii  captains  are  a  sore  curse — but  I 
beg  your  grace's  pardon. 

Kich.  Reckon  not  nie  among  them,  sir,  I  often  blush  for  the  title  I 
bear.  Wlio  would  not  rather  be  a  plain  sailor  like  Jjrake  or  iVliuLTS, 
than  such  a  nobleni:in  as  Barkely  !  Mr.  Pcpys  !  liis  ship,  the  "  Swift- 
sure,"  was  never  sern  from  the  beginning  of  the  ti'iht,  till  the  last  shot 
was  fired  !  'Tis  thanks  to  such  gentlemen  as  he,  that  Van  Tromp  dares 
sail  up  the  Thames,  with  a  broom  at  his  mast-head,  while  Eiii;iish  flags 
crowd  sail  before  him,  like  flying-fish  before  an  albicore.  Oh,  sir,  I 
have  seen  tliinys  from  the  deck  of  my  ship  the  "  Rupert,"  that  liave 
pricked  me  to  break  my  sword  i'or  very  shame. 

Pcpys.    \^shrui;s  his  xlioulders,']     Hush  ! 

wad.  (l  )  (This  is  my  man.)  That  speech  sounds  strangely  here, 
yet  I  have  seen  tlie  time  when,  even  inside  these  walls,  the  honor  of 
England  had  more  such  defenders. 

J-iich.   W'lien  shall  we  see  that  time  again  1 

Wild,  [loiccrins  his  voice  ]  When  you  sec  a  man  again  at  the  head 
of  this  kingdom,  instead  of  a  courtier's  puppet,  and  a  mistress's  plaj'- 
Ibing. 

Rich.  Sir  !  These  are  dangerous  words  !  Oh.  for  the  days  gone  by, 
when  gallant  deeds  of  gentlemen  won  gentle  looks  of  ladies  I 

Pcpys.  Our  ladies  think  more  of  a  man's  leg  in  a  coraiito,  than  of  his 
hand  in  a  battle. 

Pich.  Not  all.  Mr.  Pepys.  Thank  beaven,  there  is  still  one  at  least, 
•worthy  to  nerve  a  man's  arm  in  the  hour  cf  danger  !  One  that  an 
English  gentleman  need  not  blush  to  live  and  die  for  ! 

Pepys.  WeW,  I  trust  there  may  be:  but  I  should  be  hard  put  to  it  to 
name  the  lady,  though  there's  no  answering  for  them  now,  since  my 
Lady  Bagot  turned  cruel,  and  Miss  Stewart  kind. 

Rich.  (.Miss  Stewart  again  !)  Come,  Mr.  Pepys,  I  have  been  twelve 
months  away  from  court — ^\ou  spoke  of — of  Lady  Bagot. 

Pepys.  It  is  said  she  holds  the  Duke  of  York  at  a  distance,  but  the 
marvel  is  not  so  great  that  a  wonian  should  take  to  virtue  for  a  change 
— what  I  most  admire  at.  is  the  other  transformation. 

RiiJi.  "What  other  ! 

Pept/s.  Nay,  I  hate  talebearing — but  'tis  said  that  Miss  Stewart — Ha  ! 
His  Majesty  I 

Rich.  (Curse  their  light  tongues  that  make  so  free  with  her  name.  I 
must  see  her — speak  vv-ith  her — aye,  even  before  I  pay  my  duty  to  the 
King — I  feel  a  sickness  at  my  heart.)  [^retires.] 

Enter  King  Ch.^kles,  Chiffinch  and  Page. 
{All  the  Nuble-f^  and  CourLiers  salute  him.) 
Kimy.    Good  day,   gentlemen  I      Ha,   my  Lord   Shaftesbury — (Hang 
his  grave  face) — So.  Buckhurst,  welcome  from  sea. 

Pcpys.  (l.  c.)  I  bring  for  your  Majesty's  approval,  the  list  of  tha 
reserve  fleet,  [giving  paper  ] 


THE    king's    rival.  d 

Kin<r.  [Janguidly — sil.i  in  chair  on  the  h.  of  tabic.']  Let  it  lie  there, 
Master  Pe()ys, — I  will  peruse  it — when  I  have  time. 

Shaft    (r.)   The  business  of  this  day's  council,  vour  ^Tajesty 

King.  Odds  lish,  man,  shall  1  not  learn  the  business  of  the  council, 
at  the  council  ! 

IShaJl.  (r.  of  fable.)  [drily]  IjCt  us  hope  so,  your  Majesty  These 
papers  await  your  Majesty's  sij;nature.  [King  takes  pen.]  Shall  I  not 
first  make  you  acquainted  with  their  purport^ 

Kmg.  What,  is  it  not  enough  that  I  sign  them  for  you  1  Ah,  traitor, 
would  you  annihilate  your  King  ?  [to  page  ]  Bid  Master  Story  attend 
us  to  the  pond,  [exit,  Page,  c  ]  I  have  not  fed  the  ducks  to-day — while 
I  waste  my  time  here  my  pintados  will  be  starving. 

I'cpyx.  (And  the  sailors  ]) 

King.  And,  Chiffinch — here  is  no  paper — fetch  me  pens  and  paper. 
[exit  Chif.  l.  1  E.]  Now.  Etherege,  what  would'st  thou  !  A  favor  by  thy 
face. 

Ether,  (c.)  But  that  your  Majesty  should  take  order — 

King.  Tillyvally — take  order  1  Next  to  physic  'tis  the  thing  I  hate 
most.     So,  where's  the  paper  !   [imp'iticiitly.] 

Ether,  [to  Buck]  (Take  note  now]  Nay,  then  Davenant  will  have 
his  way. 

King,  [interested  ]  Eh  1  Davenant  ! 

Eiher.  And  the  Duke's  house  secures  pretty  Nelly. 

King,  [with  vivacity.]  Nelly  !  But  she's  hired  at  the  other  house 
with  Killiirrew.  '^ 

Ether.  Yes,  your  Majesty,  but  Sir  William  bids  her  fourscore  pounds 
over  Killigrew,  and  though  Nelly  be  loyal,  yet  money  being  everywhere 
scarce 

King.  Odds  fish  !  Rob  the  King's  Playhouse — and  of  its  prettiest 
wench  !     Tempt  Nelly  from  her  allegiance — this  must  be  looked  to. 

Buck.  (So  !  now  I  know  what  to  do.) 

Re-enter  Page,  c. 

Page.  Mr.  Story  attends  your  Majesty  at  the  pond  ;  he  has  a  rare 
brood  of  painted  ducks. 

King.  Hang  the  ducks,  man  !  we  have  grave  matters  in  hand.  Bid 
Davenant  and  Killigrew  attend  us  in  our  closet.  [Exit  Page 

He-enter  Chiffinch,  l. 

So  Chiffinch  at  last.     Now  this  paper. 

Chif.   [av'kicardhj  and  trying  to  keep  in  a  laugh.]  Your  Majesty — 

King.  Well,  man,  well ;  where  is  it  1     What  art  thou  grinning  at! 

Chif.  Your  Majesty's  Stationer  has  refused  all  further  supply.  He 
is  a  poor  man,  and  says  your  Majesty's  custom  hath  ruined  him  ;  he 
hath  lost  £400  by  your  Majesty. 

King.  The  Knave  !  [angrily — l/irti  good-hi mmiredhj .]  Odds  fish  I  is 
our  i)rivy  purse  so  empty  1  See  paper  henceforth  furnished  at  th.y  own 
credit,  (3hifiinch. 

(Ihif.   [sorroxcfully.]   But  my  credit's  as  bad  as  your  Majesty's. 

King.  Nay,  then,  we  must  write  in  the  Queen's  closet. 


10  THE    king's    rival. 

John,  [to  Pepys, — aside]  Brother,  brother,  a  blank  leaf  from  my 
sermon. 

Fcpyx.  Give  it  mc.  John,  quick.  If  your  Majesty  would  deign  to  use 
a  fair  page  from  my  journal  book. 

Kin<r.  Thanks,  Master  Pepys — we  will  remember  tkis  good  service. 

\icritcs. 

John.  Brotlier,  brother,  the  service  was  mine. 

Fepyn.  Hold  thy  peace,  John  !  Thou  art  too  forward.  Do  I  not 
know  what  is  good  for  thee,  John  1 

King,  [fuldmg  7io<c.]  Harkye,  ChifFinch — this  to  Jlrs.  Stewart's  own 
hand. 

Rc-c7iler  Page. 

farje.  Sir  William  Davcnant  and  Sir  Thomas  Killigrcw  await  your 
Majesty's  plea.su re. 

King  "i'is  well.  Carry  off  our  Nell  Gwynne  I  No.  we  cannot  part 
with  Nelly.  [Exit  c.  \).  followed  hy  Page. 

Back,  [ircahing  out.]  But  you  shall  part  with  her,  if  I  carry  her  off 
by  force.      George — Tom — will  you  stand  by  mu  ! 

Elher.  When  did  we  fdil  thee  yet  ! 

Buck.  Then  I  count  upon  you.  Pll  have  a  brace  of  follows  ready 
with  a  coach  near  her  lodging  in  Drury  Lane — you  keep  the  street. 
Harkye  !  [/Acy  retire  up,  u.  c, 

WiLDMAN  comes  down  with  Ricii.mond. 

Jiich.  And  this  is  the  court!  Bankrupt  alike  in  credit  and  decency  I 
— all  corrupt ! — all  impure  I — no,  not  all  ! — you  doubt  ! 

Wild.  I  doubt  not — I  know.  Can  this  infamy  last  !  Ought  it  to 
last  ! 

Rich.  Master  Pepys,  you  were  speaking  of  Mrs.  Sfewart. 

Pepys.   Was  I  so  '.     Ah,  my  tongue  will  wag. 

.Kick.   What  had  you  to  say  of  that  lady  1 

Pepys.  On  second  thoughts — nothing  ! 

Rich.  (Are  they  all  in  league  to  torture  me  !) 

Enter  a  Page,  throwing  open  door  of  Queen's  apartments,  l.  u.  e. 

Page.  Her  Majesty  ! 

Enter  Queen, /o//o?('crf  hy  Misses  Middleton,  Price,  Wells,  Lady 
Denham,  old  Lady  Sanderson,  &,c.,  t/icy  pass  towards  the  King's 
apartment. 

Chif.  T  crave  your  Majesty's  pardon,  but  the  King  is  busy  in  his 
closet  with  matters  of  state. 

Queen.  Say  we  await  his  leisure  in  the  'Withdrawing  Room. 

Enter  Miss  Stewart,  r.  1  e.  who  curtsies  to  Queen. 

Exit  Queen,  after  dismissing  attendants,  l.  v.  e. — The  Page  closes 
the  doors. 

Rich,  (l.)  My  own  love  I  how  the  sight  of  her  noble  face  strikes 
scandal  dumb.  [Lows  to  Miss  Stewart. 


THE    king's    rival.  11 


Slew.  {r.  c.)   RichinomI  !  / 

Rich.   Frances  I 

Chlf.  (r.)  [^cumins'  lo  lur  on  oilier  aide]  By  your  leave  my  lord — one 
word,  jiiadain.  [^gh-.ins;  rioie — anuk.l   From  the  King  ! 

Bti'v;.  [coldly  ]  'Tis  well,  sir.  (Must  I  still  endure  this  persecution  1) 
[/o  Richmond]  0  Richmond,  you  arc  come  at  last,  and  safe,  and 
glorious. 

llrch.   [coldhj  ]   Pardon  me — tlic  Kind's  letter  ! 

Slai:.  But  1  would  rather  speak  to  you  than  read  the  King.  'Tis 
nothing — douhtless  it  concorn.s  the  Queen. 

JUcli.  TliC  more  your  duty  to  read  it.  Nay,  I  will  wait — I  have 
learned  to  wait 

Stcvj  [opciim;;  ?u/lr.  mid  rnidnio-  it .~\  "  I  must  see  j'ou  here,  and  alone. 
— (JuAiM.Ks.'"  [in  I  in- 1  It/.]  Mils/,  ^ve  vou— alone  !  Oh,  this  passes  bear- 
ing 1  [lo  C!ni-FiN\  ii]  Tell  the  King — [pause's.] — yet.  no.  I  will  see 
him,  and  bring  this  new  folly  to  an  end  !  [to  Chiffinch.]  Say,  I  obey  his 
Majesty.  [Chiffinch  bows  and  cri's,  c.  d.]  And  now,  1  am  free — free 
to  hear  of  j-our  deservings. 

Pepya.  [coming  down  irilh  John,  r.]  The  sun  having  risen,  I  am  fain 
to  bask  in  its  rays.  My  brotlicr  John,  Madam,  for  whom  I  would  crave 
your  countenance. 

Slew,  (c.)  [tedious  ]   Sir,  your  servant. 

Pcpys    And  for  myself — 

Shaft,  (r  c.)  [inlerriijilivsr  him  ]  By  your  leave.  Master  Secretary. 
[Pf.pvs  pocs  up  followed  l/y  John.]  Fair  .\iistress  Stewart,  you  are  often 
alone  with  t!ie  King,  hero  is  a  ])appr  I  would  fain  lay  before  his  Majesty. 

Slew.  Metliinks,  my  lord,  as  President  of  the  Council,  your  own  hand 
were  the  more  fitting  channel. 

Shaft.  Aids  !  business  never  reaches  the  royal  ear  save  in  the  dis- 
guise of  pleasure. 

Stcic.  More  shame  for  councillors  v\'ho  stoop  so  to  disguise  it. 

[Shaft  :  retires. 

I\ich.  (How  they  all  cringe  In  her) 

Buck,  [coming  down,  r.]  May  I  recall  myself  to  Mistress  Stewart's 
sweet  memory  ! 

Stew.  My  Lord  Buckhnrst  is  not  easily  ft)rgotten. 

Buck.  Madam,  I  have  a  suit  to  the  King,  'tis  for  a  ship  ;  f  have 
served  two  campaigns  as  a  volunteer — as  Fve  no  talent  for  obeying 
orders--,  I  think  I  must  be  created  to  give  them. 

Sicic-  Nay,  my  lord  ;  why  appeal  to  me  1  Surely  the  Lord  High 
Adniiia! 

Buck-  \'\'hat  is  the  Duke  of  York's  pennant  to  Mistress  Stewart's 
petticoat  ! 

Slew.  [haiighlihj.'\  My  lord,  Frances  Stewart  has  no  such  power  a.i 
you  suppose  ;  but  if  she  had,  she  would  put  it  to  better  use  than  to 
recommend  for  command  one  who  owns  liimself  wanting  in  its  first 
requirement — obedience!    [turns  nway'\ 

Buck,   [to  Ogi.e.]   Fm  sped,  Tom  ;   I  wish  you  better  luck,    [goes  up. 

Ogle,  [coming  doien,  r.]  Mistress  Stewart — a  word  for  Charity's 
sweet  sake. 


12  THE    king's    rival. 

Slew.  Nay,  that  is  a  spell  I  must  obny. 

Ogle.  I  beseech  your  good  oiiices  i'or  a  poor  and  most  deserving 
man. 

Slciv.   What  do  you  want  for  himl 

Ogle.  Only  a  uiiserable  thousand  of  the  public  money — the  embassy 
to  the  Venetian. 

Slew.  And  wlio  is  the  poor  but  deserving  man  you  would  have  it 
for! 

Offle.  One  Sir  Thomas  Ogle. 

Slew.  Yourself! 

Ogle.  As  deserving  a  fellow  as  I  know,  and  as  out  at  elbows. 

Si.eio.  Nay,  you  need  no  advocate  for  your  deserts — they  speak  for 
themselves — and  for  vour  poverty  vou  had  best  vouch 

Offlc.  Who! 

Slew.  Your  creditors  I   [^lurns  aicai/.'\ 

Ogle.  Ugh! 

Wild,  (l.)  \to  Rich  ]   You  see  how  these  court  flies  buzz  about  her  ? 

Rich.   (l.  c.)  \\'A\,  sir;   and  what  then  ! 

Wild.  They  have  the  instinct  of  corruption  !  (It  works  !  it  works  ! 
This  duke  shall  be  ours  )  lEjcit,  L.  1  e. 

Rc-cnlcr  Chiffinch.  c.  d. 

Chif.    His   .Majesty  invites  the   court  to  the  Tennisyard       My  Lord 

Rochester  has  challenged  Sir  Charles  Sedley  to  the  best  of  si.x  sets,  and 

the  wager  will  be  })lnyed  anon.  [£x/<.  c. 

[^Courtiers    take   hands   of  ladici   and  file   off,  c.     Ethehege  and 

SH.iFTESBUKY  ojjcr  their  hands  successively  to  Miss  Stewart,  who 

curtsies  and  declines.'] 

Ether.    (Curse  her  proud  spirit.)     Fair  Mistress  Middleton —  ■ 

[E.C1I  wi/h  Iter,  c.  n. 

Shaft.  My  Lady  Denham,  may  I  crave  the  honor.   [Exit  vn/h  her,  c.  d. 

Repys.  Plague  on't,  all  the  pretty  ones  are  taken  up.  Lord  that  I 
should  be  fobbed  olf  willi  the  motlier  of  the  maids,  [iroc?  up  ceremo- 
7iiousiy  to  Lady  S.\NnERsON,  wJio  is  old  and  plain.]  Well,  my  wife,  poor 
wretch,  would  like  it  best  so  My  Lady  Sanderson,  may  I  make  bold  1 
Follow  u.*;,  John,  and  mark  how  I  bear  myself 

[Exit  with  old  lady,  followed  by  John,  imitating  Pei'vs"  ■■<truf,  c 

SteiD.  Alone  with  him  at  last,  [surprised.]  He  does  nut  speak  to  me 
— Richmond  ! 

Rich.  Madam. 

Stew.  Madam  ! 

Rich,  [sorroiifiilly  ]  Nay,  I  am  quick  to  catch  the  tone  of  the  court. 
There  was  a  time  J  bad  used  less  ceremony,  but  that  was  when  l'''ranccs 
Stewart  boasted  a  scantier  train  of  followers. 

Stew.  Richmond  !  Your  esteem  is  precious  to  me — you  know  it  is  ; 
but  remember  the  blood  in  my  veins  is  royal.  No — no  ;  I  will  not — I 
cannot  be  proud  with  you.      Is  it  thus  you  and  I  should  meet ! 

Rich.  Heaven  knows  it  is  not  the  meeting  I  have  looked  for  all  this 
weary  time  ;  through  storm — through  battle — in  the  face  of  danger — • 
under  the  shadow  of  death. 


THE    KINQ-'s    RIVAL.  13 

Sfew.  Ah,  me  !  Their  evil  tongues  have  worked  on  you,  too  :  is 
your  trust  not  proof  airainst  the  scandal  of  this  place  \ 

Rich.  Tongues  I  Scandal  !  Thsit  were  little  ;  but  my  own  eyes — my 
own  ears — this  sadden  respect  of  the  court — this  secret  commerce  of 
letters  with  the  King!  How  ain  I  to  reconcile  these  with  liie  fjir  fame 
of  f'^-ances  Stewart  ! 

Htcw.  Frances  Stewart  is  a  woman  ;  what  has  she  to  oppose  to  the 
random  wits  of  profligate  fopHiigs  !  Heaven  lielp  me  I  i  wear  no 
sword  !  I  once  thought  I  might  have  trusted  the  defence  of  my  good 
name  to  yours, 

Rich.  Oh,  if  my  heart's  blood  could  spare  you  a  reproach,  so  I  knew 
it  undeserved. 

Sleio.  My  way  of  life  in  this  loose  court  has  been  open  to  you.  If 
man  knows  what  I  have  been,  and  am — you  should  know  it.  I  will 
not  stoop  to  clear  myself  in  your  thouglils  by  protestations,  still  less  by 
tears.  I  will  but  look  you  in  the  face  thus,  and  say — I  am  worthy  of  a 
good  man's  love  !  Do  you  believe  me  \  [/;a«ir  ]  1  will  be  trusted  or  I 
will  be  nothing  to  you — do  you  trust  me  I 

Rich.  That  voice — those  eyes — bear  down  all  doubt  ! 

Slew.   And  now.  speak  to  me  of  yourself 

Rich.   Nay,  I  would  hear  of  you. 

Stew.  A  lite  spent  on  the  sea  in  danger  and  honor,  is  better  worth 
relating  than  idle  days  wasted  in  an  itlle  court.  Tell  me  of  yourself — 
and  make  me,  if  you  can,  love  and  honor  you  more  than  I  do. 

[Richmond  kisses  her  hand. 

Voice  of  Pan'c.   [xvithouf.'\   Way  for  his  Majesty  ! 

Slew,  \_Goes  to  the  c.  d.,  and  looks  out.^  The  King — he  comes  this 
way — go — 

Rich.  Why  should  I  go  ! 

Stew.  Because  he  must  not  find  you  here — for  your  own  sake — for 
my  sake,  he  must  not  ! 

Jiich.  [iroc.s  to  c.  n.]  So'  unattended!  (The  letter — was  this  a  ren- 
dezvous !   [roW///.]   I  will  wait — the  King  owes  me  a  hearing.) 

Stew,  [coidli/.]    You  had  better  have  trusted  her  who  loves  you  ! 
Enter  the  King  hasliltj,  c. — not  seeing  Rich  mono,  who  is  hidden  by  cur 
tains  of  windows,  \..  2  e.] 

King.  (l.  c.)   Now,  my  fair  Britannia  ! 

[Richmond  comes  from  loindow.  and  kneels  to  the  King  ;  he  ftarts  back 

Kiu<r.  [angrily. '\  Ha  !  my  Lord  of  Richmond  as  I  think— [/oo/.»-  at 
Stf.wart,  then  at  Richmond,]     What  do  you  here  ! 

Rich  (l.)  I  am  just  from  the  fleet,  your  Majesty,  with  letters  and  a 
dag  from  Sir  Edward  Spragge. 

Ki7i(j.  S'death,  my  Lord,  you  are  a  better  captain  than  courtier,  or 
you  should  know  that  audieiu^es  are  asked — not  taken  as  highwaymen 
take  purses.  We  would  be  alone — we  will  send  for  you  when  our  lei- 
sure serves. 

Rich.  Your  Majesty  teaches  me  a  subject's  duty- 

[Exit,  L.  1  E.,  with  a  look  of  anguish  at  Miss  Sxew.\bt. 

Stew,  [aside  ]  This  must  have  an  end. 


14  'I'HK    kino's     XIVA.L. 

Kins.  Hanjj  him  — salt-water  swab  !  You  read  my  letter  1  I  said 
alone  ! 

Stew.  Your  pardon,  Sire,  I  take  my  orders  from  the  Queen  ! 

Km^.  Nay,  forgive  me,  sweet  Mistress  Stewart — but  in  your  company 
Charles  Stewart  would  forget  tlie  King. 

iSleic.  Charles  Stewart  forgets  the  King,  when  he  so  treats  a  noble 
gentleman,  and  a  faithful  servant. 

King.  S'doath,  are  we  poor  monarchs  never  to  be  private  1  What 
the  plague  had  the  man  to  be  thrusting  his  frowsy  flag  in  my  face;  now, 
when  the  Majesty  of  Britain  would  be  alone  with  the  beauty  ot  Britan- 
nia ! — What,  still  frowning  I — Nay  then,  set  me  a  penance — I'll  perform 
it — foi  de  roi  1 

Stew.  Repair  the  slight  you  have  put  on  the  Duke  of  Richmond, 
grant  him  an  audience  fuitluviih — here,  and  before  the  court,  with  such 
honor  as  his  name  and  gallant  deeds  deserve. 

King.  Anything  at  my  Britannia's  bidding.     Here,  who  waits  I 

Ilc-cntcr  Chiffinch,  c. 

Say  to  his  Grace  of  Richmond,  we  grant  him  an  audience  here — in  an 
hour. 

Stcio    Sooner ! 

King.   Plague  on't — in  halfan-hour.  [Exit,  Chiffinch,  l.  1  e. 

There  !  and  now  let  the  magnanimity  of  King  Charles  the  Second  plead 
for  the  gracelessness  of  that  sad  rogue,  Charles  Stewart — your  most 
loving  cousin. 

Stew.  Ever  my  most  gracious  sovereign. 

King.  Odd's  lish  ! — \V  hy  will  you  be  still  thrusting  that  cursed  crown 
in  my  face  '  Here  is  no  King,  I  tell  you,  but  a  man,  a  loving,  and  some- 
thing hot  blooded  man.     [ujiproaches  her  passionately.^ 

Stew.  And  here — a  woman — an  unprotected  and  orphaned  woman,  if 
vour  kingly  crown  restrain  you  not,  let  my  crown  of  maidenliood  make 
me  sacred. 

King,  \_ih-aws  hack  a  moment]  Pshaw  ! — All  royalty  is  restraint — 
besides,  you  and  I  are  but  mesne  King  and  Queen  :  we  are  vassals  both 
of  one  Lord  paramount — King  Cupid  !  The  only  king  that  bears  no 
fetters — he  owns  no  law  but  choice — no  restraint  but  satiety — no  sanc- 
tion but  his  own. 

''  Stew.  Your  Majesty's  love-canons  and  mine  are  strangely  different. 

"  Khig.  Let  me  teach  you  mine. 

'•  Stew.  Nay,  Sire,  why  look  for  more  pupils'!  Surely,  you  have 
''  enough  already.  And  you  would  find  me  as  unapt  as  you  have  found 
"  them  quick-witted. 

"  King.  Ah  !  you  do  yourself  wrong.  Compare  not  yourself  with 
"  tlie  Mancinis  and  the  Castlcmaines,  beings  whose  very  names  infect 
'•  the  air  you  breathe.  No,  no ;  it  is  not  the  King,  sated  with  easy 
"  victories  and  venal  conquests  that  now  pleads  before  you,  but  the  man 
'■  consumed  by  that  passion  which  purifies  like  fire.  I  have  only 
"  desired  till  now ;  now,  for  the  first  time,  I  love  ! 

"  Slew.  If  I  could  believe  this.  Sire  ! 

"  Kinir.  You  would  love  me  ! 


THE    KJNg's    rival.  15 

"  Sicin.  This  were  the  last  time  we  slnuld  ever  meet  alone. 

"  King.  Oh,  no  I — you  woulJ  not  say  so,  il'  you  knew  nie  better  ;  if 
"you  could  but  look  here,  (piitiins^  his  hand  on  his  hfarl,)  and  see  how 
*•  empty,  how  desolate,  is  this  heart  of  mine  I  In  its  better  moments, 
"  it  yearns  for  something  to  believe  in,  and  look  u|)  to.  Oh,  do  not  turn 
"  away  !  you  would  not  shake  oil'  a  drowing  wretch  that  tried  to  grasp 
"  3'our  hand,  and  will  yoa  iling  me  back  into  that  sea  of  howling  appe- 
"  tites  that  is  sucking  me  down  I  all  for  want  of  a  strong  pure  love,  like 
"yours,  to  grapple  to  I"  [F/r«if«  himself  before  her.\  Oh,  Frances 
Stewart !  have  you  no  pity  on  the  most  unhappy  man  in  England  ! 

i>lc}v.  For  heaven's  sake,  rise.  Sire  I  I  do  pity  you  ;  would  I  could 
comfort  you.  Should  any  one  see  you  in  this  posture  !  [King  nse*.] 
Remember  whom  I  serve  :  your  wife,  your  wronged,  unhappy,  but  still 
loving  wife;  whose  heart  is  crying  for  love  as  loudly  as  your  own  ;  on 
whom  alone  you  can  bestow  aii'ection,  and  yet  bring  no  infamy. 

Kniff.  Mistress  Stewart,  you  forget  yourself  1  1  came  here  to  woo, 
not  to  hear  a  sermon  :  Barrow  gives  nie  enough  of  preaching.  I  know 
your  sex  !  I  can  read  this  coldness  :  it  is  not  that  you  cannot  love,  but 
that  you  love  some  other. 

iStew.  \_Confuscd  ]  Your  Majesty  ! 

King.  Let  him  not  cross  my  path.     The  King  brooks  no  rival  here. 

Stew.  Nay  ;  even  were  it  so.  you  could  hardly  deny  me  the  right  of 
loving  one.  you,  who  love  so  many  1  But,  indeed,  your  Majesty  wrongs 
yourself  :  King  Charles's  worst  enemies  have  never  denied  him  gene- 
rosity. 

King.  You  think  so.  Ha,  yes  !  I  have  been  generous  !  the  tool  of 
every  knave  that  set  himself  to  cozen  me  ;  "  the  plaything  of  every 
'•  pretty  jade  who  chose  to  fool  Charles  Stewart."  I  have  been  easy  ; 
but  why  ? — because  I  was  indifierent,  or  despised  them.  But  for  the 
man  who  comes  between  me  and  you,  let  him  look  to  himself. 

titcw.  The  man  whom  Frances  Stewart  loves  will  brave  even  Charles 
Stewart's  anger. 

King.  'Tis  well!  Whoever  he  be,  let  him  take  heed  to  his  footing. 
Yes  ;  they  all  cozen,  and  rival,  and  thwart,  and  plot  against  their  King; 
and  their  King,  poor  fool,  laughs  and  forgives  them  !  But  for  this  one, 
let  his  foot  trip,  and  his  head  shall  answer  for  it.  Aye,  his  head, 
madam,  though  half  the  nation  mourned  about  his  scaffold! 

[Exit  fur iouslij  mto  his  apartment,  U.  u.  E. 

Stew.  [Sinking  with  terror  into  a  thai r]  And  I  must  play  the  brag- 
gart I  1  dreamed  nut  of  this  peril.  Shoukl  he  discover  'tis  Richmond 
i  love,  and  should  my  love  destroy  him  I — horrible!  I  must  hide  it.  hide 
it  as  jealously  as  I  ever  thouohl  to  avow  it  proudly.  Yes.  cruel  King  ! 
Ungenerous  rival!  His  foot  shall  not  slip!  Our  love  shall  triumph  yet! 
He  is  here  ! 

Rc-cntcr  ClUFi■l^scH,  ahou-ing  in  Richmond,  l.  1.  e. 

Chif.  'Twas  here,  my  lord,  that  his  Majesty  ajipointed  you  an  au- 
dience ;  I  will  announce  your  presence.  [Exit,  u.  u.  e. 

Rich.  [Aside — stci?!!'' Miss  Stewart]  She  is  here  still !  Yet  flush- 
ed from  the  King's  caresses  1     Oh,  give  me  patience  ! 


10  THE    king's    rival. 

Slew.  At  my  request,  his  Majesty  has  promised  to  repair  with  honoi 
the  soeiiiiiig  sh;,'ht  lie  put  on  you 

Rich.  At  your  lequesi  I  And  I  must  stoop  to  take  honor  of  the  hand 
that,  but  now,  may  have  pressed  yours  in  passion  !  But  tliat  he  is  my 
Kintf —  [Liij/s  hi.s  kind  on  his  swnrd. 

Stew.  Richmond  1  for  love  of  heaven  I  l)e  moie  temperate;  be  master 
of  yourself  You  shall  know  all  I  I  have  no  secrets  from  you.  Tlie 
King  hath  even  now  urged  liis  suit  to  me. 

Rich.  The  confession  is  out  of  date.  I  am  fresh  from  a  resale  of 
court  gossip.  I  know  all  now,  and  would  spare  3'our  lips,  [retires  up,] 
and  my  ears. 

iStcw.  (^Better  so  awhile  !  Let  him  think  of  me  as  he  will ;  hate  me 
if  he  will  :  by  that,  means,  he  will  be  sale  till  I  dare  reveal  the  truth  ;  it 
were  words  wasted,  to  attempt  it  now  )  Richmond,  will  you  grant  me 
one  request! — meet  me  to-night  in  the  Queen's  gallery,  at  the  couehee  : 
I  have  tliat  to  say  you  must  hear,  alike  for  your  own  safety  and  my 
honor. 

Rich.  'Tis  uncourteous  to  refuse  any  request  of  so  fair  and  favored  a 
lady  ;  hut  what  you  do  me  the  honor  to  propose  to  ine  is  impossible. 

Slew.  Impossible  !     You  decline  an  interview  with  me,  sirl 

Rich.  With  regret ;  but  my  letters  and  fla^  delivered,  I  return  this 
evening  to  the  fleet. 

Slew.  To  the  fleet!     To-night] 

Rich.  Yes  !  The  Dutch  stdl  hold  the  sea.  We  can  scarce  fail  to 
meet  them  ere  long  :  and  it  will  go  hard,  but  1  find  all  I  have  left  now 
to  hope  for,  a  friendly  bullet  and  a  sailor's  grave.  [Retirea  vp,  l. 

Stew.  Richmond  !     Charles  I — He  shall  not  go  !     I  know  too  well  his 

fiery  spirit!     Come  what  may,   he   shall  not  throw  away  his  life!  and 

mine  that  hangs  on  it.  [Crosses  e. 

Re-enter  Buckhukst,  Etheregr,  Ogle,  Couetieus  and  Ladies,  fioin 

the  Park. 

Buck.  Nay  ;  I  never  saw  more  masterly  vollying  than  Sedley's  in 
that  last  set. 

Slew.  (He  shall  not  go!) 

Pepys.  My  lord,  it  grieves  me  that  I  should  have  won  the  trifling 
matter  of  fifty  pieces. 

Back,  (c  )  Console  thyself:  I  will  but  owe  it  thee.  Mistress  Stewart, 
are  you  still  obdurate,  touching  my  suit  for  a  ship  1 

Stew.  (r.  c.)  I  have  been  thinking  of  it  since  you  went,  my  lord  ;  and, 
on  second  thoughts,  I  will  back  your  suit. 

Buck.  Now,  bless  you,  for  a  true  patriot.  Having  the  leisure  of  a 
command,  I  shall  write  such  sea-son  us. 

Re-enter  Chiffinch,  e.  u.  e. 
Chif.  The  King  ! 

Enter  King,  excited,  u.  u.  e.  ;  he  poees  vp  and  down  ;  all  fall  lack. 
Kins',  (c.)  So,  who  won  the  wager] 

Buck.  (l.  c)  Sedley,  your  Majesty.  Rochester  is  drinking  away  his 
sorrow  at  the  butterv. 


THE  king's  .^ival.  17 

Chif.  [To  King  J  The  Duke  of  Kichmond  awaits  an  audience  of 
your  Majoty. 

Kiii'j.  The  Duke  of  Richmond  !  \^Asidi:,  to  Miss  Sxr.WAr.T  ]  Fair 
Mistress  Stewart,  a  word.     You  pleaded  witli  ine  for  this  Duke      Ha! 

Sletc  (ii.)  And  so,  your  Majesty  most  simply  inlers  lie  may-  he  tiie 
rival  you  threatened  so  soundly. 

Kin'j.  Beware  I  'tis  ill  jestiiiir  on  some  suhjocts 

)Sti:w.  [Smiljiig.]  Nay  ;  if  your  Majesty  is  determined  to  suspect  nil  I 
shall  ask  favors  for,  you  shall  have  subjects  enougii  ;  for  I  have  another 
suit. 

King.  A  suit!     Command  me  I — hut  not  for  this  Richmond. 

Slew.  Nay  ;  my  suit  will  be  apt  to  oii'end  the  Duke  of  Richmond. 

Kins'.  'Tis  granted,  then  ! 

SteuK  Then,  my  suit  is,  that  your  Majesty  take  the  Duke  of  Rich- 
mond's command — 

King.  'Tis  done  I — 

Slew.  And  give  it — 

King    [iwpiciou.s/y.]  To  whoml 

S/cw.  To  my  Lord  Buckhurst.  3'onder. 

King.  (Slie  loves  not  Richmond,  after  all. — And  this  Buckhurst  has 
been  hot  after  Nelly  — and  so  I  shall  rid  me  of  him.)  At  Britannia's 
bidding,  my  Lord  Buckhurst  shall  have  the  command.  Harkye,  Master 
Pepys.  the  name  of  the  Duke  of  Richmond's  ship  ! 

J'cfiys.  [advuncin(/.  l.]  The  '"  Rupert,"  your  Majesty  !  (He  thought 
to  take  me  at  unawares.) 

Kinff.  Now,  my  Lord  of  Richmond ! 

Richmond  approaches,  l.  c;  and  kneeling,  offers  his  letters  and  Jlag. 

Rich.  I  am  charged  to  present  to  your  Maje.'ty,  these  letters  from 
Sir  Edward  Sjiragge,  containing  an  account  of  the  last  sea  light;  and 
this  flag,  the  trophy  of  the  victory  that  hath  attended  your  Majesty's 
arms  ! 

King.  'Tis  well  !     Sir  Edward  has  selected  a  worthy  messenger ! 

Kick.  This  duty  done.  I  crave  your  Majesty's  gracious  leave  to  return 
to  my  command. 

King.  Not  so!  We  cannot  risk  all  our  Dukes  against  these  mccha 
nical  salt-butter  Mynheers.  We  would  have  your  Grace  near  our 
person. 

Rich  Your  Majesty,  my  best  ambition  is  to  devote  my  sword  and  life 
to  your  Majesty's  service  at  sea. 

King.  And  our  good  pleasure  is,  to  keep  both  for  use  on  shore  — 
Your  command  is  filied  up  I 

Rich.  My  command  filli-d  up  !  —  before  I  am  dead — who  has  prevailed 
with  your  Majesty  to  ])ut  this  shame  on  me  ! 

Amg.  Nay — your  flag  is  wanted  by  a  fair  lady.  You  are  too  gallant 
to  rci^ret  the  sacrifice 

Rich.  At  least  let  me  crave  this  fair  ladv's  name] 

Kill's.  (This  iniirht  be  hut  a  woman's  cunniiiir  to  avert  my  suspicion 
from  Richmond — I  will  watch  them  close.)  [Turning  to  Ricii.MONn.] 
It  is  Miss  Stewart !     She  hath  begged  the  command  of  the  "  Rupert" 


18  THE  king's  rival. 

for  my  Lord  Buclcluirst  yonder.  See  my  Lord  Buckhurst's  commiEsion 
made  out  for  the  '•  Rupert,"  Master  I'epys. 

Pcpyn.  (i-.)  Doubtless,  a  most  lilting  choice,  your  Majesty.  (Good 
lack,  a  precious  captain !  But  I  must  speak  him  fair,  the  victualling 
may  l)c>a  penny  in  my  pocket.) 

King.  \in  a  sprigklly  lone]  'Tis  half-past  three — who's  for  the  play- 
house !  Fair  ladies  and  gentlemen  all !  My  Brittania  I — you  see  how  I 
obey.  To  pleasure  you,  I  have  ali'ronted  the  proudest  nobleman  in 
England. 

IS/cw.  I  thank  your  Majesty  !     (My  heart !     How  will  this  end  ?) 

King.  Miss  Stewart,  your  fair  hand!  [Gives  his  hand  to  Miss  Stew- 
art, the  others  take  ladies  and  follow.     Exeunt,  c. 

Rich.  She  has  struck  me  in  the  face  before  them  all! — She  has  broken 
my  sword  1 — She  has  broken  my  heart !  Revenge  !  No — it  is  not  her 
fault — this  is  not  my  Frances — she  is  under  some  spell !  What  hath 
corrupted  her  nature  thus  ! 

Wild,  {striding  suddenly  to  Richmond's  side."]  The  Satyr  King  !  His 
look  pollutes  a  woman — his  touch  turns  her  to  stone. 

Rich.  Revenge  !     Curse  him — curse  him  ! 

Wild.  Cur.«e  not  at  all — it  is  a  sin  !   dethrone  him  ! 

Rieh.  I  will ! 

Wild.  Swear  it ! 

Rich.  I  swciir  !     [on  his  J:necs,  c,  "Wild  standing  over  him  cxultingly. 

ACT  H. 

SCENE. — Apartments  in  Buckhurst's  House.  Door  c.  Door  of  Closet 
{upper  part  glass,)  r.  h.  3  E.  Chairs,  Furniture  of  Ihc  "period.  Table 
set  for  supper. 

Servants  discovered  arranging  table. 

\st.  Scrv.  Come,  bustle,  my  lord  viill  be  home  anon. 

2nd.  Scrv.  And  Mistress  Gvvynne  with  him ;   my  lord  will  get  into 

trouble. 

Is^  Serv.  No  !     Certain  gentlemen,  look  you,  carry  off  a  certain  lady 

— my  lord  is  none  of  them — they  bring  he-  here,  but  still  my  lord  takes 

no  part.     "  Then  comes  my  lord  and  fmds  the  lady  in   his  house  :  he 

"  cannot  let  her  go  till  after  supper ;  once  at  supper,  as  he  is  a  nobleman 

"  of  the  Court  and  she  a  play  actress — " 

"  "nd  Scrv.   She  stays  to  breakfast. — [15/  Servant  nods .^  But  suppose 

"  instead  of  all  this  she  should  strive  to  escape  ! 

"  \sl  Scrv.  Let  her  settle  matters  with  the  locks  and  bolts.'" 

"  2nd  Scrv.   Say  that  she  screams  hastily — what  are  we  to  dol" 

"  l.fi  Srrv.   We  must — [puts  his  fingers  in  his  ears.y^ 

"  2nd  Scrv.   But  say  that  she   takes   the   law  of  him   and  calls  us  a^• 

witnesses  1" 

Isl  Serv.   We  have  but  to  hold  our  tongues  ! 

Enter  Pepys,  ushered  in  by  a  3d  Servant. 

3rd  Scrv.  Mr.  Samuel  Pepys  to  see  my  lord. 


THE    king's    rival.  19 

]st  Serv.  My  lord  is  not  at  home. 

Pcpys.  I  will  wait  till  my  lord's  return. 

1st  Scrv.  When  my  lord  returns,  he  desires  to  be  private. 

Pepys.  Then  will  I  hut  write  the  matter,  and  so  retire. 

Ist  iScrv.   As  you  will,  sir.  [Hxeunl  Sicrvants,  c. 

Pcpyx.  A  strange  request  of  the  Duke  of  Richmond.  My  Lord  Buck- 
hurst  takes  his  command  from  him,  yet,  lo  !  he  would  have  me  beg  his 
lordship  to  let  him  serve  on  board  the  "  Rupert"  as  a  volunteer,  l^ord, 
that  a  duke  should  have  no  more  pride  !  Sure  love  hath  disordered  his 
mind  ;  and  they  say,  too.  he  hath  taken  much  to  drink,  a  foul  habit  in 
a  nobleman.  Here  s  matter  for  my  journal  hook,  [lakes  out  hook  and  peers 
about.}  Came  to  my  Lord  Buckhursts  at  seven  of  the  clock,  where  a  tablo 
set  for  two  persons,  mighty  neat,  but  found  not  my  lord,  in  a  fair  apart- 
ment, [goes  pecrituj  about,]  with  wrought  chairs  very  curious;  and  one 
of  the  new  Levant  car[)els,  like  my  Lord  Sandwich's,  though  methinks 
]on:,'er,  but  no  ink  that  I  see.  nor  pen  to  write  with — which  ve.xes  me ;  and 
indeed  it  is  strange  a  nobleman  should  be  without  ink.  Stay,  there's  his 
closet,  [peeps  through  glass  door,]  and  on  the  table  a  standish  and  two 
pens.  1  will  in,  for  it  irks  me  till  I  have  entered  all  this  day's  doings  in 
ray  diary.  And  next  his  Grace  of  Riclmiond's  petition,  in  writing,  ibr 
my  Lord  Buckhurst.  Lord,  could  my  honest  poor  father,  the  tailor,  see 
his  Sam  penning  a  duke's  wishes  to  a  Lord  !  Yet,  let  me  not  be  pufl'id 
up,  hut  comport  myself  humbly  to  my  superiors.  If  I  be  grown  great, 
what  then !  There  be  greater  !  Aye,  even  in  our  office,  the  more's  the 
pity. — I  to  my  Diary.  [Enter  Closet,  r.  h. 

1st  Serv.  [le-entcnng,  c]  Mr.  Pcpys — gone — that's  well — [takes  out 
key  and  beckons  off,  c] 

Enter  tn-o  Bravos.  carrying-  IS  ell  Gwynne  mvffled  in. a  Cloak  and 
Hood,  a  Chair  is  placed  c.  she  is  sealed  on  it. — Bravos  exeunt,  c. 
Servant  locks  door  outside,  c. 

Nell.  Iremoves  her  hood  ]  Now,  is  this  a  Cliristian  land  !  I  like  a  jest 
well,  but  this  is  past  a  jest :  I  won't  put  up  with  such  ruffianly  treatment 
— I  will  not !  ril  be  revenged!  D'ye  hear!  I'll  scratch  your  eyes 
out !  No  I  I'll  do  better  I  I'll  love  you  and  break  your  heart — you 
unmannerly  scourer!  It  is  my  Lord  Brouncker!  No!  he  has  too  much 
sense.  It  is  Harry  Jermyn.  No!  he  has  too  much  conceit  to  think 
force  necessary.  It's  Tom  Ogle.  No  !  he  has  not  a  crown  to  pay  the 
bullies  with.  Plague  on't !  I  can't  be  in  a  becoming  rage  tiil  I  know 
who  has  done  it,  because  it  may  be  some  I  like.  AV'ell,  one  thing  is 
clear — here  I  am  !  And  another  thing  is  clrar — that  here  he  ouoht  to 
be  too.  [j}anse.]  The  man  must  be  a  fool  1  carries  ofla  woman  by  violence, 
and  then,  like  ilac!)eth  in  ihe  play,  "'  We  will  proceed  no  further  in  this 
business."  Oh  1  but  we  will  though,  [examines  napkins,  <f-c.]  No 
cipher !  No  coat  armor !  This  door  leads  to  another  room. — Oh  ! 
[retreats.]  There  sits  my  Tarquin  ! — I  could  not  see  his  face,  he  was 
writing.  This  is  a  great  man — carries  off  a  play  actress  by  violence, 
tlicn  turns  his  back,  sits  down,  and  pens  away  for  the  bare  liti;.  I  know 
what  he  is  now — he  is  a  poet  !  I  have  one  or  two  poets  in  my  leading- 
strings.     I  will  bur.st   in   and   abuse   him.    How  !      In   Billingsgate   or 


20  THE    king's    HIVAL. 

-■• 
blank  verse ■?  Shall  it  be  orange-wench  or  tragedy-queen  1  Pshaw! 
there  is  no  sport  in  either  -  and  I  love  sport.  \^lij'ls  her  eyes  to  heaven.'^ 
Oh  I  howl  love  sport!  What  shall  it  Lie!  Virinous  despair  !  Uh, 
yes  !  that  will  be  tiie  best  jest  of  all  !  [clajjn  her  luinds.]  But  liow  to  get 
him  out!  1  can't  go  and  say — "  (Jonie  forlh,  sir,  and  oll'end  my  cliastc 
ear  with  your  indiscreet  proposals."  Til  cough  him  out.  No  I  I  have 
done  that  uj)on  the  stage  eleven  thou.sand  times.  Gad  s  my  life  !  Is'elly, 
do  let  us  have  something  new.  [^croes  to  door.]  Til  sob  him  out !  He  ! 
he  !  ah  I   li^ives  Luud  sob,  then  runs  and.  sits  down.     Hides  her  face /\ 

Rc-enlcr  Pepvs  viith  inquirivi;  air.      Journal  in  his  hand. 
Oh  !   oh  !  (The  deer  has  broke  covert !)  Oh  ! 

Pcjiys.  (u.)  [at  door.^  A  lady — in  distress — in  sore  distress.  I  will 
console  her  !  [comes  down  to  her.^  It  grieves  me,  sweet  lady — (I  can't 
see  her  face.) — that  one  so  fair — 

Ndl.  (l.)  Oh'  oh! 

J-'cpys.  Should  ever  know  sorrow. 

Nell.  Oh  !  oh  !  Why  'tis  that  solemn  toad,  Sam  Pepys  !  You  clcse 
sinner!     I'll  tell  your  wife  ! 

I'cpys.  Why,  'tis  pretty  mad  Nelly  !  Tell  my  wife  !  Now,  heaven 
forbid  !     Tell  her  what!     What  is  the  matter,  Mistress  Gwynne  ! 

Nell.  The  matter  is,  that  111  expose  you  to  all  the  town  foi  a  sheep- 
faced  rogue ! 

Pepys  (Rogue  !  W'hat  can  she  mean  1  Hath  she  got  wind  of  that 
matter  of  the  vitualling  —  or  the  liergen  prizes  —  or  the  plate  from 
Master  Bowen  !  or — )  [hafi/il!/.]  Mistress  Gwynne!  Nelly!  pretty 
Nelly  I — st)me  one  has  vexed  you,  and  so  you  fall  foul  of  your  friend — 
sure  we  are  fast  friends. 

Nell.   Private  friendship  must  give  way  to  public  morality. 

"  Pepys.   Alas  !   child,  what  have  you  to  do  with  public  morality  V 

"  Nell.  As  little  as  yourself!  But  friend  or  not,  I'll  reveal  your  real 
character " 

I'cpys.  You  would  not  be  so  cruel. 

Nell.  To  all  the  world,  and  your  wife,  unless  you  instantly  conduct 
me  back  to  my  lodgings  in  Drury  Lane. 

I'cpys.  \C'\ih  pleasure,  sweet  Nelly  ;  with  great  pleasure  !  \_goes  to 
door  C.J   How  now  !     The  door  is  locked  ! 

Nell.   You  knew  not  that — innocent  soul  ! 

Pepys.   No!   it  was  not  locked  when  I  entered. 

Nell    You  have  the  key  of  your  own  door,  I  })resume. 

Pepys.  Yes  !   [shoics  key.]  But  this  is  not  my  door. 

Nell.  Not  yours!      Whose  house  is  this  ! 

Pepys.  Whose  should  it  be.  but  my  Lord  Buckhurst's ;  and  he  will 
be  here  anon;  and  he  will  find  us  locked  up  to'jeiher.  [tries  duor.^  And 
he  is  a  dare  devil,— and  did  once  say  of  me,  if  he  caught  me  again  in 
your  tiring  room,  he'd  slit  niv  ears,   [.\hnkes  door.] 

Nell.  (So,  my  Lord  Buckhurst')  Hark!  I  hear  a  footstep,  \_sci2ca 
Pepvs's  «rOT.] 

Buck.  [wUhoul,  c]   So  she  is  here. 

Pepys.  Oh,  let  me  go  ! 


THE    king's    rival.  21 

Nell.  (More  sport )  Oh,  Sir  I  stay  with  me  ;  do  not  leave  me  to  this 
vile  seducer. 

I'cjiijs    JNay  ;  he  won't  hurt  you.  [tries  to  escape. 

jS'cII.  Protect  me  I  oh,  protect  iiie  I  [xcize.i  his  wig,  tchich  comes  vjj  in 
her  Iiand.^ 

J^epys  I  must  protect  my  ears,  [rm^s  into  closet.  She  gets  his  book 
jrorn  hnn.j 

NcU.  [looks  at  bonk-.'\  What's  this  1  Diary  1  Odds's  fish  !  Secrets  ! 
By  your  leave,   [tears  out  leaves.} 

I'epys.  [jjuts  out  his  hcad.j  My  journal  book  ;  I've  lost  ray  Journal 
bouk. 

i\tll.  Here  it  is,  man  I  [losses  it  to  Mm  ]  (Minus  a  few  pages,  which 
ril  read  at  my  leisure.)  So,  this  is  Buckhurst's  doing  !  I'm  glad  'tis 
Buckhurst.  I  like  him.     I'll  make  him  smart  for  it.     Uh  I  oh! 

Enter  Lord  Buckhurst,  cautiously,  c. 

Btick.  [aside.]  (Trying  to  escape  !  I  heard  her  at  the  door.  In 
tears  !  I'aiih  I  am  half  ashamed.  Pshaw!  it  is  but  a  long  face,  and  a 
hiiiii  trauical  protestation.)  You  see  at  your  feel  a  true  penitent. 

^Aell.  Oh  : 

Buch.  Love  too  hot  to  be  quenched  by  reason  has  fired  me  to  this 
act  ;  but  your  tears  put  out  my  flame,  and  waken  my  sleeping  con- 
science :  never  will  I  rise  from  my  knees — [kneels.'\ — till  you  pardon  the 
temerity  of  my  passion. 

Nell.   Oh  ! 

Buck.  (Sure  it  is  Niobe  and  not  Nell  Gvvynne.)  Nay,  sweet  soul,  be 
comforted  ;  liiough  you  came  here  a  prisoner,  you  remain  a  queen.  1 
live  but  to  obey  your  lightest  words.  (What  a  sullen  devil  it  is.)  [knock 
at  c.  D.]   Come  in  ! 

Re-enter  \st  Serv.int,  cautiously,  c. 

1st.  Serv.  ((,.)  My  Lord — [hesitates.] 

Buck,  (c.)   \\'hat  now  1  rascal ! 

Isl.  Serv.  My  lord,  the  chairmen  that  came  with  mistress — ahem — 
wilii  this  lady. 

Buck    Weil  !   what  of  the  dirty  fellows  1 

Serv.   They  are  in  the  hall,  and  will  not  go  until — 

NcU.  (e.)  [sharply.]   Until  they  are  paid  for  their  villany. 

Serv.  Ahem  ! 

Nell.  Oh  !  oh  ! 

Buck,  [nottii  roicc.]  Tell  the  knaves  they  shall  be  paid  to-morrovr. 

Serv.  1  have,  my  lord  ;  but  they  say  they  never  risk  their  necks  on 
credit. 

Buck.   S'death  !   let  some  of  my  rogues  disburse. 

Serv.  ^\  e  cannot ;  your  lorilship's  rogues  have  received  no  wages 
from  your  honor  these  fei.\  months. 

Buck  [about  to  search  Ai.v  porkeLH.]  No  !  I  played  with  De  Grammont 
last  night  ;   so  'tis  usi'less  to  sound  my  pockets. 

Nell,  [lo  Sekv.ant.1  Come  hither,  sir,  if  you  please,  [sighs.]  How 
much  do  the  rullians  demand  ? 


23  TiiK  king's  rival, 

Srrv.  [crossing  to  Nell.]  Two  Jacobuses  each,  and  there  are  three 
of  tlicni,  madam. 

iVc//.  liBiih  .-Hidden  rncrtry.'j  What !  six  Jacobiises  for  carryinjr  off  an 
actress  !     'Tis  extravajjaiU — 'tis  monstrous — 'tis  rank  extortion  I 

S''rv    So  I  said,  Madam  ;   but  tliey  say  my  lord  promised. 

NcIL  Oh!  if  he  promised!  Honor  among  tliieves  •  ahem!  [draivs 
out  a  long  picrsc.  well  filled.] 

Serv.  [after  ei/eing  the  purse  a  long  time  with  siirprise  and  joy.] 
(TliinJi  heaven,  there  is  money  come  into  our  house.) 

Nell.  [grumliling.'\  It  is  very  dear  I — it  is  sadly  too  dear  !  [c?»es 
servant  mnnci/.^  [."Servant  borvs  rcspectfidly.  and  exit,  c.  d. 

Nell.   \_sevierely.'\   You  vnist  learn  to  manage  tliese  things  better. 

Buck.  Alas  !   \i' I  fail,  it  is  from  lack  of  experience. 

Nell.  Then  the  next  time  you  carry  off  a  lady,  consult  the  lady  her- 
self for  the  cheapest  way  to  do  it ;  don't  let  her  cost  you  six  Jacobuses  ; 
ten  to  one  your  lady  will  not  be  worth  the  six  Jacobuses  ;  and  even  if 
she  is,  she  won't  like  to  have  to  pay  them  herself     Ha  !   ha  !   ha ! 

Buck.  Ha  !  ha  !  ha  !  You  are  the  woman  after  my  own  heart.  Sweet 
merry  Nelly,  I  adore  you  !     Ha  !  ha  !  ha! 

Nell.  And  I  like  you  ;  I  ought  to,  for  you  cost  me  dear.     He  !  he! 

Buck.  You  will  stay  here,  now  you  are  here. 

Nell.  I  will  stay  to  supper,  and  then  back  to  Drury  Lane. 

Buck.  Not  till  you  promise  to  be  mine  ;  and  mine  only  ;  and  mine  foi 
ever! 

Nell.  That  I  will  not ! 

Buck.  Why  not  ? 

Nell.  Because  that  would  be  a  bad  bargain  for  me ;  worse  than  the 
six  Jacobuses.  Why,  you  rhyming  rliodomantader,  you've  been  telling 
the  same  tale  to  "  Moll  Davis,  and  Mary  Knight,  and  Beck  Marshall, 
and  "  every  laced  petticoat  in  Drury  Lane. 

Buck.  Of  course,  I  have  ;  but  I  cive  them  all  up  for  ever.  There  is 
but  one  woman  in  the  world  henceforth,  and  that  one  is  Nelly  Gwynne. 
Probatum  est — in  sccula  Kaeculorum. 

Nell.  [^Tenderly.]  Is  this  true!  Can  so  great  a  rover  learn  to  stay 
at  home  i 

Buck.  Forever!     Here  I  swear  eternal  fidelity  !  [Lifts  his  hands. 

Nell.  Oh,  my  lord,  such  a  sacrifice  of  all  your  most  cherished  habits 
fills  me  with  gratitude.  There.  I  will  not  be  behind  you  :  I  hereby  give 
up  little  Jermyn,  Harry  Sidney,  and  Hart,  and  Lacey,  &c.,  &c.,  &.C., 
&c.,  &c  ,  and,  like  you,  devote  myself  to  one. 

Buck.  Swear,  then,  as  I  did  ! 

Nell.  (Now  for  it.)  [Attaches  perriirig  secretly  to  her  wrist.]  I  will 
swear  as  you  did,  and  keep  it,  as  you  will. 

Buck.  Swear,  then ! 

Nell.   [With  sudden  enthusiasm]   I  swear  : 

[Kaistvg  her  hand  ;  pcrrncig  hanging  to  her  wrist ;  they  eye  it ;  she 
then  aetaches  and  throiv.t  it  down,  and  clings  to  Buckhurst. 

Buck.    What  is  that  ! 

Ntll.  [Innocently]  It  is  like  the  thiigs  you  men  wear  on  your  heads. 
How  did  it  come  there!     Is  it  yours  ] 


THE  king's  rival.  23 

Buck.  Is  it  mine!  Don't  cling  at  nie,  you  crocodile!  No! — it's 
yours  ! 

A'cll.  Oh,  no  I — my  hair  is  stuck  on  by  tiie  roots — [pulls  her  hair'\— 
feel  ' 

Buck.  He  must  be  here  1     He  is  here  ! 

Nell.  No,  he  is  not.     Who  1  [Looks  al  closft. 

B'irk.   You  look  towards  that  closet. 

Nell.  No.  I  don't.     Sec,  I  look  anywhere  but  there. 

\_Looks  ill  opposite  dirrctioh 

Buck,  (c.)  Ah  I  [Runs  to  closnt;  brings  out  Pni-Ys.J  .So,  Master 
Pcpys  !  by  all  lliat's  smug.  [To  Nei.ly,  pouUtng  to  his  bald  head.] 
W'liat  do  you  call  this? 

Nell,  (l.)  The  head  of  a  goose.  [Puis  Tcig-  on  Pepys.]  And  now  it  is 
tlie  head  of  a  wise  man. 

Buck.  You  must  answer  this  to  me,  sir ! 

Pepys.   (r.)  My  lord,  I  vow  I  came  here  nn  public  busincs.'; — and — 

Nell.  No  need  to  excuse  yourself.  [To  Buckhurs^t.]  He  has  as 
much  right  to  be  in  my  company  as  you  have. 

I'cpys.  No,  I  have  not,  my  lord.  I  afi'ect  her  not,  save  as  a  lover  of 
plays.      I  am  a  sober  servant  of  His  Majesty. 

Nell  Ungrateful  !  [Crossing,  c.J  And,  you,  do  you  think  to  tear 
me  from  this  worthy,  though  timid  man  l  Desist,  vairi  lord,  I  go  no- 
where without  my  solid,  sanctimonious,  smug-faced  Samuel. 

[Embraces  him  violently. 

Pcpys.  [Repulsing  her  rovghhj  ]  Believe  her  not,  my  lord  ;  'tis  a 
mischievous  jade. 

Nell.  He  comes  into  my  tiring  room,  "lends  me  pins,  and  watches  all 
my  metamorphoses."  My  "  tiring  "  wench  calls  him  the  scene  shifter 
— he,  he,  he! 

Pepys.  Scandal!  scandal!  I  went  thither  after  Knipp  ;  not  after  this 
madcap.  I  came  here,  to-night,  with  a  suit  to  your  lordshi[)  from  the 
Duke  of  Richmond. 

Buck.  Pshaw  !  I'll  no  suits  now,  but  one.  Mr  Pepys !  I  am  not 
jealous  of  you,  forgive  my  lieat  ;  you  must  sup  with  us.  Pleasure 
lirst,  then  business,  like  the  ancient  Germans.  Who  waits  !  Supper! 
supper ! 

He-enter  First  Servant,  c. 

Sen.  The  Duke  of  Richmond  and  Major  Wildman  would  speak  with 
your  lordship. 

Buck.  Curse  their  puritanical  faces!  [Gravely.'\  My  duty  to  his 
grace,  and  tell  liiin  1  have  with  me,  at  this  moment — hem  I  The 
Bishop  of  London. 

Nell.  And  the  Lady  Abbess  of  Drury  Lane.  So,  if  he  will  walk  up 
stairs,  he  shall  sup  with  two  rogues,  and  one  jade.  Two  more  plates 
sir  !  [Skrv.wt  gimilcs. 

Buck.  [Ironically  ]  Mr.  Pepys,  can  you  tell  who  is  the  master  of  this 
house  ! 

Nell.  [Gravely.]  Why,  don't  you  know  1  I  am!  Co,  bid  them  in, 
sirrah  I 


24  THE  king's  rival. 

Buck.  Nay  !  they're  a  pair  tliat  understand  no  mirth  ;  they'll  turn  our 
Tvitie   to  verjuice.      Serve  s.u|iper  in  my  tlnset,  sirrali  I      Show  the  Duke 
and  the  Major  in   iiither ;  say  I'll  join  ihein      [ir-'xt^  Servant,  ^aZ/yj 
When  I  iiave  drutik  one  round  to  thy  health  and  our  love. 
i^cll.   [&j/cm ?(/_?/.]   And  to  the  nienioiy  of  my  lo.st  Jacobu.ses. 
Buck.  [Siiildoili/  liiniiri^.l  The  devil  take  your  Jacobuses  ! 
Nell.    V\'hy,  he  has  (,roi  them — ha,  ha  ! 

[^Exciin/    BucKHURST,    leading    Nelly,    followed    hij    Pepys;    all 
liiugkingy  R.  3  E. 

Enter  Richmond  and  M.ijor  Wild.m.\n,  c. 

Wihl.  (l.)  Courage,  sir;  bend  but  your  pride  to  this  last  suit  to  rny 
Lord  Buchkurst,  and  our  road  is  fair  before  us. 

Rich    (r.)  (Ay  1  I  must  drink  the  cup  to  the  dregs.)     Frances  ! 

\V(ld.  In  all  the  ships  are  gallant  spirits  that  cliafe  at  the  cowardice 
and  o'erbearing  ignorance  of  these  gentlemen  captains  ;  the  fire  is 
smouldering;  ere  we  have  been  a  week  in  the  fleet  it  shall  break  out  in 
the  "Rupert,"  first;  but,  before  we  go.  these  j)apers  in  duplicate, 
signed  by  the  hea'ds  of  our  jilot.  One  copy  I  take  to  the  fleet  ;  one  ib 
to  be  lel't  with  the  Duke  of  Buckingham  ;  thus  we  engage  ourselves 
mutually.  See.  there  is  a  blank  left  next  to  Buckingham  ;  I  would  fain 
see  that  blank  filled  by  a  noble  name 

Rick.   [Fill.i  I'Uixs  jrom  Uible  and  drinks.!^  I  will  think  of  it. 

Wild.  The  feeb.er  spirits  are  still  led  by  titles  ;  each  known  hand  set 
here  brings  us  a  thousand  meaner  ones.     Do  you  hesitate] 

Rich  Yes  1  Major  ^^'i^lman  ;  to  you  it  is  a  small  matter  to  subscribe 
to  the  upsetting  of  the  king  :  your  place  is  among  the  people  ;  but  I  was 
bor!i  by  the  side  of  the  throne.  We,  of  the  nobility,  lend  our  lustre  to 
the  crown,  and  draw  our  lustre  from  it.  Besides,  I  am  haif  drunk  now, 
and,  when  I'm  half  drunk,  1  feel  as  if  she  was  not  all  lost  to  me;  wait 
till  I'm  sober.  When  I'm  sober,  I  am  utterly,  hojjelessly  wretched,  and 
Could  sign  anything.     Treason!  sacrilege!  perdition  1 — what  you  will. 

[  Wucea  aside  the  jiapcrs. 

Wild.  (Patience!  'Tis  in  a  high  and  holy  cause  ;  I  must  have  his 
name  ;  I  will  have  it  !) 

Re-enter  Buukhukst  and  Pepvs. 

Buck.  (r.  c.)  My  lord  duke — major — your  jiardon  that  I  have  kept  you 
Waiting  ,  but  1  was  even  now  with  Master  Pepys,  who  has  told  me  of 
your  grace's  wi.<h. 

Rich.  (l.  c.)  Then,  you  know  the  measure  of  my  desire  now  :  to 
berve  as  a  volunteer  on  board  the  good  ship  I  once  commanded. 

Buck.  I  see  no  reason  to  denv  your  grace  ;  and  yet.  now  I  remember 
me.  his  majesty  said  he  needed  you  about  the  court  ;  I  must  not  olleiid 
his  n);iji'sty.  being  now  his  captain. 

/"■c/;  (k.)  Nay,  n;y  lord.  Lit,  majesty  knows  the  duke's  wish;  fori 
niadc  bold  to  tell  his  majr.sty  no  later  than  yesterday. 

Buck.    And  what  did  the  king  say! 

]\}>.  The  king  but  turned  to  Miss  Stewart — (ahem !  I  forgot  the 
Duke.) 


THE    KINO  S     RIVAL, 


75 


Buck.  And  what  did  he  say  1 

Pcpys.  He  but  shrugged  liis  shoulders,  and  said,  "  How  fond  somo 
folk  are  of  salt  water.'' 

Kick.  And  what  did  she  say  1 

I'cfT/s.  Nothing!  Only  laughed  and  shrugged  her  fair  shoulders  in 
rej)ly. 

Nell,  {cnmimr  foricard,  c]  So  you  are  the  Duke  of  Richmond.  I  am 
Nell  Gwynne.  [she  curtsies.     He  bows  coldly  ] 

Buck.  (Confound  the  jade  !)  Now,  Nelly  !  why  couldn't  you  keep 
away  ! 

Nell.  I  long  to  see  a  man  everybody  says  is  dying  for  love.  'Tis  a 
malady  I  have  never  met  with  out  of  a  play-book. 

Re-enter  first  Servant,  c. 

Serv.  A  lady  below  would  speak  with  my  lord. 

Buck.  A  lady — alone  \ 

Nell.  So  my  lord  !  Another  already  !  Well,  well  I — Please  go  to 
her   meanwhile  ihe  duke  here  and  I  !     Ahem! 

Buck.  Nay,  Nelly  !— madcap  !     Did  you  ask  her  name  1 

Serv.  Mistress  Stewart ! 

Rich.  Oh  ! 

Back.  Mistress  Stewart  —  my  fair  patroness!  Say  I  await  her 
commands.  ^Exit  Servant,  c]  Pray  you  all  retire  into  that  room  but 
till  I  have  received   this   lady's   orders,   [goes  up   c.  Exeunt  Pepys  and 

WiLDMAN.   R.  3   K.] 

Nell,  [/o  Richmond]  Your  old  sweetheart  !  We  will  learn  what  she 
comes  for — pcriiaps  the  wind  has  shifted  in  your  favor. 

Rich.  Oh,  no,  no  I 

Nell.  How  can  you  tell  I  Who  can  answer  for  the  wind  or  a  wo- 
man ?  Come,  courage — if  she  ca.:not  see  your  deserts  there  may  be  as 
fair  who  can.  (I  like  him — besides,  "twill  be  sport  to  torment  Tarquin — 
and  I  will  )  Exeunt  Nkll  and  Richmond,  r.  3  k. 

Enter  Servant,  .shoxcing  in.  ceremoniously,  Miss  Stewart. 

Buck.  (i,.  c  )  Madam  !   I  am  honored  beyond  thanks  by  this  visit. 

i^/ew.  (k.)  No  compliments,  my  lord  !  You  said  this  morning  you 
owed  me  sometliing  in  return  for  the  command  which  the  King  gave 
you  at  my  instance. 

Buck.   I  am  much  your  debtor  for  it. 

Slciv.  Then,  like  a  hard  creditor,  I  come  to  you  thus  soon  for  a  repay- 
ment, or  rather  to  make  myself  your  debtor  in  my  turn. 

Buck.  Conunand  n»c,  sweet  Mistress  Stewart! 

Slew.  The  Duke  of  Richmond  would  serve  as  a  volunteer  in  the  ship 
he  lately  counnanded  ;  this  is  not  for  his  credit — it  is  madness — it  gives 
great  concern  to  all  his  sincere  friends,  amongst  whom,  in  spile  of 
appearances,  I  rank  myself;  my  request  is,  that  you  will  not  permit 
him  to  serve  unihr  you 

Buck.  I  would  fain  obey  you.  Mistress  Stewart  ;  hut,  not  to  deceive 
you,  the  duke  has  been  liere  alrea<ly,  when  1  in  sonie  sort  acceded  to 
his  request.     If  i  deny  him  now,  1  shall  seem  to  go  froui  my  word. 

2 


26  THE  king's  rival. 

/S/fU'.  [coldhj.]  My  lord,  your  commission  is  not  yet  made  out,  it 
needs  but  a  word  from  me.  and — 

Jhick.  Nay.  my  fair  patroness,  since  you  arc  peremptory,  there  is  no 
more  to  be  said,  [with  cncruy  ]  'J'he  duke  siiall  not  set  liis  foot  oa  board 
the  "  Rupert"  while  J  command  her. 

Richmond  hurst  into  room,  followed  iy  Neli.v,  vho  is  endeavoring  to 
hold  him.     WiLDMAN  comes  to  door  and  ivalckcs. 

Stew.  Oh,  Richmond  !     In  this  company  I 

Rich.  Why  do  you  persecute  me  thus  ^ 

at.cic.  Sir! 

Rich.  Was  it  so  great  a  crime  to  love  you  ]  Is  every  avenue  of 
honor  to  be  closed  to  me  because  you  have  forfeited  men's   good  word  ' 

Slew.  Are  you  mad  !  \\'liat  is  our  misunderstanding  to  these  gentle- 
men 1 

Rich.  What  is  it  to  you  whether  I  go  on  board  the  •'  Rupert"  or 
not1 

Slew.  Nothing;  from  this  moment  nothing  I  \to  Buck.]  My  lord,  I 
withdraw  my  request. 

Nell,  [^coming  doivn,  c]  Nay.  Madam  !  never  mind  liim  ;  he  means 
not  half  he  says. — [conjidentiatli/.] — He  is  in  drink,   [retires  up.] 

Stew,  [ivith  disffust.]  (The  excuse  is  well  placed.) 

Rich.  And  whose  is  the  fault  if  I  turn  to  that  or  any  other  means  of 
oblivion  !  I  was  a  gentleman,  esteemed  both  loyal  and  brave  ;  1  loved 
my  country,  I  loved  honor,  I  loved  you.  In  one  day  you  robbed  me  of 
my  faith  in  woman,  and  of  my  hopes  of  honor.  Can  you  not  leave  me 
even  the  chance  of  deaths 

Stc7i'i.  [coiilcmptuouslt/.]  What  !  Is  honor  only  to  be  gained  on  board 
the  "  Rupert  1"  The  man  who  has  honor  in  his  soul  is  not  a  slave  of 
circumstances.  Be  not  so  poorly  lost,  my  lord  ;  awake,  and  be  yourself 
again.  Honor  has  a  thousand  paths  ;  take  any  one  of  them,  and  walk 
erett  on  it — a  nobleman,  and,  above  all,  a  man  ! 

Rich.  She  bids  me  do  this — she  who  has  unmanned  me. 

Slew,  [wilh  rimng  cnergy.'\  A  doubting  heart  has  unmanned  you  ! 
Duke  of  Richmond,  you  have  been  poisoned  by  unvvorthv  suspicions, 
misled  by  unworthy  associates.  Recall  your  reason  !  Either  I  am 
what  cowards  and  liirs  say  I  am — the  king's  minion — or.  I  am  Frances 
Stewart.  If  I  am  Frances  Stewart,  to  degrade  yourself  will  be  to  lose 
me  ;  if  I  be  that  other  thing.  I  am  not  worthy  a  gentleman  should  ruin 
himself  thus — soul,  body,  and  heart,  for  me  !  Be  yourself,  my  lord, 
for  your  own  sake,  if  not  for  mine. 

Rich.  ^V'e  take  commands  from  our  friends,  not  from  our  enemies  ; 
still  less  from  a  treacherous  enemy  like  you — who  still  speak  me  fair  to 
my  face,  but  follow  me  behind  with  ill  oilices  You  rob  me  of  my 
sword,  and  now  you  come  to  my  successor,  and  force  him  to  refuse  me 
a  bare  plank  of  the  ship  I  once  ordered  as  its  captain.  Ah!  traitress  ! 
traitress  ! 

Stev\  This  rude  breeding  suits  the  associates  you  have  chosen. 
Henceforth  I  mingle  no  more  in  your  aflairs.  [/oBuck."]  My  lord,  J 
withdraw  my  request. — Yoo  vnll  find  worse  enemies  than  me 


THE    king's    rival.  27 

Ndl.  (That's  for  me  !) 

Slew.  Are  you  sure  1  was  your  enemy  ^  Then  becontent.  [so/cm n/y.] 
I  am  no  more  lo  you  that  which  I  was  — I  am  nothiiii;  to  you,  and  you 
are  nothing  to  mc!  Unmannerly  gentleman! — ungrateful  man  I — 
dishonored  duke  I — farewell  I    [fforiig-,  c] 

Jiic/i.  Frances  !  [Miss  Stewart  curtsies  to  others  at  door.  Buck- 
hurst  hows  her  off,  c]  Those  papers  I 

Willi,   [gnlng  them.]  You  will  sign  them  now  ! 

Rich.  With  my  blood,  and  that  of  all  my  house  !  [Wildman  stands 
ezultuigly,  R.  as  llicmioiiD  signs  on  tabic,  c.  Tableau.  Nelly,  c.  watching 
Richmond. 

end  of  act  ii. 

[Note. — It  is  essential  to  the  success  of  this  scene  that  it  should  be 
played  with  great  fire.  The  speakers  rising  above  each  other  in  turn  ; 
it  should  at  tlie  same  time  be  played  with  leeling,  being  a  duel  between 
lovers,  not  a  stranger's  quarrel.] 

ACT    III. 

SCENE. — Spring  Gardcjis. — The  Stage  represents  a  Garden  u-ith  cut 
hedges  and  trees. — Illuminated  by  lights  in  trees. — Arbors  r.  and  l. 
(with  turf  hanks,)  in  which  arc  tables  and  seals.  [Over  trees,  in  back 
sround,  are  seen  the  towers  of  Westminster  Abbey  ]  3IoonUiiht. — Music 
at  a  little  distance,  r  h.  Courtiers  and  Ladies  ■promenading — some  in 
upper  Arbors^  with  wine. —  Drawers  moving  about. 

Enter  Buckhurst  disguised  as  a  drawer,  e.  u.  e. 

Buck.  Plague  on  this  jealousy  !  My  fellow  heard  Nelly  order  her 
coach  for  Spring  Gardens.  So  I  must  needs  go  and  borrow  the  deaf 
and  dumb  drawer's  suit  to  watch  her.  I  shall  soon  find  whether  she 
has  a  gallant — and  then  if  I  must  wear  antlers,  they  shall  be  sharp  ones. 
Ware  Buckhurst  and  Buckhorn.   [retires,  l.  u.  e.] 

Enter  Kins'-  in  while  wisr ;  a  black  patch  over  his  eye  ;  his  hat  slouched; 
iciih  Ctiiffinch  also  muffled,  l.  u.  e. 

King.  I  scarce  know  how  to  believe  thee,  Chiffinch.  Miss  Stewart 
cme  hither!  I  knew  Jennings — and  Price — and  Wells,  were  given 
to  such  gad-about  tricks  ;  but  that  she  should  join  in  the  frolic  !  (There's 
more  in  this  than  appears — a  rival,  perhaps !  Ha!  but  she  has  had 
warning  ) — Chiflinch  !   I'm  well  di.-guised  ! 

Chif.  Your  Majesty  looks  like  a  Paul's  captain,  or  a  courtier  out  of 
favor. 

King.  But  not  too  ill-favored  to  affect  the  ladies'  company,  eh  1  I 
woulil  not  be  too  ill-looking,  neither. 

Chif.  Fear  not,  sir  !     Jupiter  will  peep  under  the  bull's  hide 

Kirnr.  And  horns.  That  same  Jupiter  chose  ominous  disguises.  But 
how  to  know  our  own  fiir  ones !     They  will  be  masked  1 

Chif.  That  mole  on  Miss  Stewart's  chin,  your  Mijcsty. 

"  King.  Ha  !    That,  like  an  amorous  fly.  drawn  by  the  honey  of  her 


28  TfiE  kin'g's  rival. 

♦•  lips,  hath  hcGti  stricken  motionless  for  the  presumptioTi.  Her  sole 
"  beauty  paich — do  I  not  know  it  — by  siijht,  alas  !"  [inii.sic]  The  com- 
.pany  is  thickest  round  the  fiddles  yonder.  Well,  when  our  subjects 
thus  enjoy  themselves,  why  not  the  King  !  [music,  loiulcr  and  litxUcr.] 
That's  a  Coranto — my  le^^s  itch  to  be  at  it — come  man,  come. 

[Exeunt,  R.  H. 
Enter  BucKHURST,  i,.  u.  e. 

Buck.  Here  she  comes  with  the  Duke  of  R,ichmond.  I'll  wait  on 
them — their  tongues  will  wag  freely  at  supper,  and  I  shall  know  how 
matters  stand. 

Enter  Nelly,  masked,  Richmoxd,  and  Pepys,  l.  u.  e. 

Nell,  [taking  off  mask.]  What,  all  a-niort,  my  lord  !  Samuel,  order 
some  wine  !  [ail  enterin<r  arbor,  l. 

Pcpyi.  I  will.     This  is  the  deaf  and  dumb  drawer,  I  know  him  by  his 
cap  and  jerkin — an  excellent  knave.     Supper — wine  !     Ah  !   I  forgot. 
[writes  on  his  tablets,  and  gives  the  order  to  Buckhurst,  r. 

Exit  Buckhurst. — pause. 

Nell,  [breaking  out.]  Why,  'tis  a  man  of  stone  !     I  vow  this  is  cruel ; 
you  were  merry  enough  but  now. 
Rich.  Was  n     I  was  drunk  then. 
Nell.  Then,  pr'ythee,  be  drunk  again. 

Re-enter  Buckhurst,  r.,  with  wine. 

Rich.  Wine,  wine!  stirrer  of  thick  pulses  ;  chaser  of  sorry  thoughts. 
Let's  change  bloods  with  the  grape,  Nelly,  till  our  muddy  currents 
dance  and  sparkle  like  this. 

Sings. 
[The  pleasures  of  love  and  the  joys  of  good  wine. 
To  perfect  our  happiness  wisely  we  join. 
Let  every  man  stand. 
With  his  glass  in  his  hand, 
And  briskly  discharge  at  the  word  of  command. 
Wine  quickly  recovers, 
Poor  languishing  lovers, 
Makes  us  frolic  and  gay — drowns  all  our  sorrow  j 
But,  alas  !  we  relapse  again  on  the  morrow.]     * 

Nell.  (A  good  song,  but  a  vile  ending  )    Samuel !  throw  off  thy  hypO" 
crisy  for  three  minutes  and  sing  thy  real  mind. 
Pepys.  I  will,  Nelly — fetch  me  a  lute. 

Sings. 
Be  wise,  and  say  you  had  warning  ; 
To  laugh  is  better  than  learning. 
A  song  is  better  tlian  fasting. 
And  good  wine  is  worth  the  tasting. 
Then  keep  your  brain  as  light  as  you  can. 
An  ounce  of  sorrow  will  fmish  a  ojan. 


THE    king's    rival.  29 

Richmond  and  Nell  yoin  in  chorus, — Buckhurst  also,  involuntarily. 

Pepys.  Ha  !  what,  an  echo!     Methoii<iht 'twas  from  a  fourth  mouth  ! 

Rirh.  So,  so !  I'm  a  new  man  already.  Here's  to  thee,  Master 
Pepys — Nelly. 

NcU.  My  king  of  the  sea  !     How  thine  eyes  sparkle,  rogue  I 

Rich.  Buss  me.  Nelly.  [Ames  her. 

Buck.  {hehind.'\  Oh! 

Fepys.  Eh!  the  deaf  anJ  dumh  drawer.  Oh  I  'tis  his  way  of  asking 
me  to  drink.     An  ugly  voice,  but  moans  well,  poor  lad. 

Nell.  And  now  for  a  toast,  in  solemn  silence, — the  memory  of  the 
depariied — Buckhurst ! 

Buck,   [aside,  bck'tnd.'\  Ah!   [dashes  down  a  plale.'\ 

Nell.  The  clumsy  knave 

Pepys.  The  memory  of  my  Lord  Buckhurst,  and  may  the  sea  bring 
him  wisdom,  for  he  hath  a  plentiful  lack  of  it.  A  shallow  man  ;  shallow, 
shallow  ;  and  hath  the  rarest  conceit  of  iiimself. 

Nell.  Poor  Buckhurst !  But  he  has  got  your  ship,  and  'tis  but  fair 
you  should  have  his  Nelly. 

Rich.  Ay  !  change  is  the  fashion  ;  in  love  and  liquor.  This  claret  is 
too  cold  and  thin  ;  give  me  champagne  and  brimmer  glasses.  I  would 
drown  remembrance.     Champagne  is  your  only  Lethe. 

Pepys.  Champagne,  sirrah  !  Od-so  !  I  had  forgot !  [imitates  cham- 
pairne.]  Saw  you  Iiow  I  made  him  apprehend  me  !  Ha  !  ha  !  'Tis  a 
quick  witted  knave.  Lord,  how  merry  I  could  be  were  Knipp  but  here 
now.  [fiddles  without. 

Nell.  Hark  ;  those  dear  fiddles  !  Come,  a  dance,  a  dance,  and  then 
to  our  wine  again  !     Who  is  for  sport  follow  me  ! 

[Exeunt  Richmond  and  Nelly,  r. 

Pepys.  Gone!  Nay,  then;  I'll  e'en  look  out  for  a  petticoat  myself. 
I'll  take  of  these  oranges  to  make  myself  acceptable.  JEjcif,  l. 

Buck.  Curse  the  jade  !  Hang  the  Duke  !  Plague  on  'em  all !  Oh, 
what  an  eruption  of  wrath  have  I  had  to  keep  down  all  this  while  !  I'll 
follow  them.  So,  my  I^ord  Duke  of  Richmond — my  sea  monster  of  con- 
stancy. But  the  King  shall  know  on't.  He  suspects  him  already  with 
Mistress  Stewart;  and  if  this  philandering  v^'ith  Nelly  don't  ruin  him 
and  her  too  !  I'll  lay  Chiflinch  on  the  scent.  The  memory  of  Buck- 
hurst, eh  !  Zounds  !  my  Lady  Nelly,  but  you  shall  have  cause  to  re- 
member him.  [Exit,  R. 

Dance. 

Enter  Queen,   masked.  Miss  Stewart.  Mrs   Wells,  and  Mrs.  Jen- 
nings, shown  in  by  Ogle,  l.  u.  e. 

Orile.  Here  yonr  Majesty  will  be  safe  from  scourers  and  rufllcrs  ;  they 
haunt  where  there  is  less  li<rht 

Queen.  Keep  by  us.  Sir  Thomas,  for  love  of  the  saints  !  Your  masks, 
ladies — your  masks. 

Of/fl.   At  the  table  yonr  Majesty  will  be  less  exposed  to  curious  eyes. 

Queen,  [/o  Wells  and  .Jennings  ]  Go,  girls,  go,  a«  Sir  Thomas  bids 
you.     My  Stewart,  a  word  with  ycni. 


30  THE  kino's  rival. 

"  Ifrs.  Wcllx.  But,  Sir  Thomas,  wliy  come  hither  if  we  are  to  do 
"  nothing  worse  than  sit  mum  cliance,  and  cat  cakes  at  a  tahle  I 

'•  Jeini.  Here  is  no  sport,  Winifred,  as  when  Mrs.  Price  and  I  went 
"  seihng  oranges  at  Drury  Lane  the  other  night." 

"  (h/le.  Nay,  I'm  as  much  for  sport  as  you  arc,  fair  ladies  ;  but  in  the 
Queen's  com|)any  we  must  be  mad  with  (iecorum." 

"  Wells.  Well,  for  all  her  touch-me-not,  Portuguese,  air,  'tis  hard  if 
Bomebody  be  not  rude  to  us."  [ihey  fjo  up. 

Queen.  And  you  still  think  I  have  done  ill  to  come  hither,  my  sweet 
Stewart] 

StciB.  (r.)  What  says  your  Majesty's  heart  1 

Queen.  Alas  !  it  knows  but  one  constant  thought — love  for  my  hus- 
band. Oh,  Frances  !  teach  me  how  to  win  that.  I  love  fiim  so,  but  I 
know  not  how  to  make  him  love  me. 

Stciv.  And  you  would  seek  that  secret  in  such  a  place  as  this  1 

Queen,  (l.)  I  would  learn  what  those  women  are  whom  he  affects. 
I  would  see  something  real,  be  it  what  it  may.  At  the  court  I  learn 
nothing;  there  I  have  only  respect  and  neglect. 

Slew.  May  I  speak  my  true  mind  to  you  1 

Queen.  Oh,  do,  do  !  You  are  the  only  one  of  them  all  who  ever  does, 
since  they  sent  my  Portuguese  away. 

Stew.  No  man's  love,  that  deserves  the  name,  was  ever  won  by  wo- 
man's stooping.  Man's  love  is  worship,  and  she  that  wins  it  must  be 
above  the  worshipper. 

Queen.  But  woman's  love  is  not  like  man's. 

Slew.  The  greater  woman's  fault!  Our  love  should  be  a  worship 
too,  or  if,  spite  of  our  better  selves,  it  light  on  the  unworthy,  it  is  a 
shameful  secret  to  be  hidden  and  not  a  jewel  to  be  worn  and  gloried  in. 

Queen.   But  could  you  so  hide  your  love  1 

Stew.  I  could  die  in  stifling  its  strong  life  rather  than  utter  it  when 
utterance  is  shame.  Oh,  dear  lady  and  mistress,  pray  for  him  you  love  ; 
sufler  for  him  ;  die  for  him,  if  need  be  ;  but  never  to  win  return  of  pas- 
sion, descend  from  your  dignity  of  queen,  j'our  higher  dignity  of  woman. 

King  and  Chiffinch  appear  behind ,  from  u.  e.  r.,  watching.    Pepys 
on  the  other  side,  also  watching. 

Queen.  Oh.  Stewart !  You  recall  me  to  my  better  self  I  have  done 
wrong  to  venture  to  this  place.     Let  us  return.     Summon  the  others. 

King,  (c.)  ('Tis  she  !  So  my  nun  in  masquerade,  I  have  you  in  the 
sin  !)  " 

Ogle,  (r.)  Your  pardon,  sir  ;  these  ladies  would  be  private. 

Kins'.  Tilly-vally,  man.  Such  a  bevy  of  vizards  want  a  better  guard 
than  thee. 

Os'le.  How,  now,  thou  saucy  Jack  I 

J'epys.  (Here'U  be  a  scuffle.     I'll  withdraw.) 

Ogle.  Stand  back,  or  Pll  break  thy  rnpier  about  thy  ears. 

C'/nf.  (k  )  [vhispers  Ogle.]     Have  a  care  Sir  Thomas,  'tis  the  King. 

Pepys.  The  King  ! 

[.4s  Sir  Thomas  Ogle  is  about  to  kneel,  the  King  prevents  him  ly  a 
rapid  gesture. 


^^ 


THE    king's    rival.  81 

Quce7i.  [to  Stewart  ]   Oh  I   I  am  frightened — let  us  go. 

Stew.  No  :  he'll  follow  us — we  are  safer  here  in  the  crowd. 

"  31is.  Wells,   [to  Jewings.]  1  knew  somebody  would  be  rude  to  us !" 

King.  Your  pardon,  fair  ladies  ;  but  seeing  you  unattended  in  this 
ill-mannered  place,  I  hasten  to  put  my  sword  and  service  at  your  com- 
mand. 

Stew.   We  are  not  alone,  sir — our  friends  will  be  here  anon. 

King.  Then  I  will  mount  guard  in  their  absence. 

Stew.  We  accept  no  protection  from  a  stranger. 

King.  A  stranger  !  Nay — I  know  that  black  vizard  intimately — and 
that — and  that — and  that. 

Slew.  The  masks,  perhaps  ;  but  not  the  wearers. 

King.   A.re  yo\i  sure]     Shall  I  guess! 

Queen    [to  Stew.irt.]   Should  he  discover  lis] 

Stew.  Fear  nothing — this  is  no  courtier  1     Who  can  it  be  1 

King.  Ha  !  No  courtier  !  What,  is  my  coat  too  threadbare,  or  my 
face  too  honest,  that  you  presume  so  much  \ 

Slew.  Nay,  if  you  were,  we  are  no  court  ladies  to  fear  you  the  more 
for  that. 

King.  I'll  be  sworn  you  are  none.  No  ;  the  ladies  of  the  court  are 
too  discreet  to  venture  to  such  places.  They  take  example  of  the  Queen 
and  that  paragon  of  virtue — fair  Mistress  Stewart. 

Stew.  Once  more,  sir,  we  would  be  alone. 

King.  Nay — nay — four  petticoats  and  never  a  man — 'tis  a  slight 
upon  tlie  se.x.  Oh,  you'll  find  nie  the  humblest  of  slaves  and  the  most 
diverting.  I'll  sing  you  the  last  new  song — tell  you  t!ie  story  of  the 
last  new  play — give  you  the  last  bit  of  court  gossip — 'tis  of  that  same 
Mistress  Stewart. 

Stew.  (Why  does  Sir  Thomas  not  rid  us  of  this  man  1) 

King.  Listen,  ladies — 'tis  the  pleasantest  tale — how  the  King  told  his 
passion  to  the  fair  and  frozen  Frances. 

Queen.   Ha  ! 

Stew.  Sir — whoever  you  are — 

King.  Nay,  Madam,  if  you  are  not  interested,  this  lady  appears  to  be. 
Let  her  hear  how  the  fair  and  frozen  Frcances  preached  him  a  sermon — 
and  sat  before  him,  his  whole  duty  to  his  wife. 
Qnerii.  [asiiie.^  My  good  Stewart  I 

King.  How  the  wicked  king  was  abashed — and  how  he  had  a  min- 
ute's mind  to  eschew  gallantry  and  turn  a  good  humdrum  husband. 

Queen,   [aside.']   My  true  Stewart  I 

King.  But  the  Devil  still  whispered  a  doubt  if  the  Stewart  were  as 
cold  as  she  seemed.  "  She's  a  prude,"  <iuath  Satan,  "  and  follows  her 
own  diversions  in  secret."  So  the  King  watched  and  watched — and 
the  Devil  watched  too  in  the  likeness  of  Will  Chiflinch — and  led  the 
King  to  a  certain  garden,  frequented  by  the  looser  sort  of  courtiers  and 
cits,  and  there,  who  should  the  King  meet — but  this  pink  of  purity — 
this  statue  of  snow — this  Diana  in  a  laced  petticoat — .Mi.stress  Stewart. 
Stew,  [forcing  a  laugh]  Ha'  ha!  ha!  'Tis  as  true  doubtless  as 
most  court  scandal. 

King.    But  tlje  story's  not  done  yet.     The  King  accosted   her — she 


33  THE  king's  rival. 

was  masked — and  thou^fht  herself  unknown — but  the  King  seizing  het 
wrist  with  one  liand  thus — 

fi/cw.   Unhand  ine,  sir  ! 

Kinfr.  And  flinging  the  other  hand  round  her  waist — so — 

QuMJi.   Holy  saints  ! 

Ulew.  Hflj)  !   help  ! 

Kintr.  [fie reel ij.'\  Let  none  stir  !  I  say — pressed  his  burning  lips  to 
the  tell-tale  mole  that  made  the  mask  useless — thus — thus — thus. 

[/.(iAM  her. 

Qucev.  \  faintly '\  No — no— not  before  my  face  I 

Stew.  The  King  ! 

King.  Aye,  the  King,  who  now  and  henceforward  holds  Frances 
Stewart  like  any  other  woman,  but  that  he  loves  her  more  than  all  the 
women  in  the  world  ! 

Queen.  No  !  Charles  I — My  husband  !  \^faints.'\ 

Kirip.  The  Queen  ! 

Stnr.  Oh,  this  is  well  done,  Sir.  You  have  stained  a  spotless  honor; 
you  have  broken  a  loving  heart. 

King.  Silence — silence  all — for  your  lives  1  Her  name  at  least  must 
not  be  whispered  here  !  My  poor  Kate  !  I  knew  not  she  was  here — 
look  up,  Kate!  Here,  bear  her  into  your  pavilion!  Bring  up  her 
coach!  Staunch  that  blood,  some  of  you  !  Curse  the  women  !  Heaven 
forgive  me  !  Chiffinch,  send  for  Pierce  at  once  !  Bear  her  in  I  say — 
gently — gently  ! 

[Exeunt  Kinu,  Ogle,  and  Chiffinch,  hearing  off  Queen.    Jennings 
and  Wells  follow,  l.  u.  e. 

Slew.  I  am  sutlocating  !  Poor  Queen  !  Dear  Mistress' !  Oh  what 
is  a  King  that  he  should  dare  trample  thus  on  all  that  stands  betwoen 
him  and  sin  ! — The  kind,  good  Queen  ! — it  needed  but  this.  I  will  go 
to  her — but  he  is  there — and  how  can  she  bear  to  see  my  face  ]  No  ! — 
I  must  choke  here  !  and  there  is  none  to  help  me  now  !  Oh,  ]lich- 
raond  !  Richmond  !  you  are  right  ! — All  feigning  is  ill  and  leads  to 
worse  ill. — I  will  humble  myself —I  will  ask  his  forgiveness,   \_goes  u}).'] 

Re-enter  Richmond,  Nelly,  and  Pepvs. 

Nell.  A  fig  for  Jacob  Hall,  after  this  !  \^'liy,  you've  danced  the 
breath  out  of  my  bodv.  and  I  thought  I  was  a  match  for  most  partners — 
give  us  some  wine.  Sober  Samuel. 

Stew,  (r.)  (Richmond  !  and  with  that  woman  ! — Oh  !  he  did  not  lore 
me  as  I  loved  him  ! — how  soon  he  has  found  consolation  ! — how  low  he 
has  stooped  for  it  1  "What  is  left  me  now  ?  Pride,  silence,  and  a  break- 
ing heart !) 

JRich    Come,  my  Florimel  1    One  round  more,  and  then  home    \sighx.1 
Nell-   Home  !     And  before  the  sun  !     Not  I ! — We'll  biil  breathe  our- 
selves ;  and  thence  once  more  to  the  fidilies — [ikctl/stanC  loom  of  inins 
heard,  L.]     Hark  !     ^^'hat's  that  ] 

Kieh.   \ Lifiteninrr.l  It  sounds  like  far  off  firing!     A\'huro  should  it  be  1 
Pep.  I'll  go  and  learn.  [Exit,  l.  o.  b 

Re-evter  King  ;  he  soc.f  to  Mis.5  Stewart. 


THE    king's    rival.  33 

Kinff,  (r.  c)  Madam!     Mistress  Stewart  I 

Stew    (r.)  The  Queen,  Sire.     How  (ares  it  with  the  Queen  1 

Kins'.   Better,  nuich  better.      Pierce  says  'lis  nothing  :  the  hlooj  was 

not  from  the  lieart  !  and  now  let  me  take  you  from  this  place,  it  lits  you 

not. 

Stciv.  As  ill  as  it  fits  your  Majesty.     I  will  jtq  alone  ! 

King.  Will  you  not  trust  me  I     [trWMs.]     What's  ihatl 

Jiich.   [  Who  kns  been  hslcnuig.'\  it  is  the  roar  of  ilisiaut  cannon — the 

night  is  c.ear — cannon  at  sea  ! 

Re-enter  Pefys. 

Nell.  Well !     How  scared  thou  look'st.  man  !      What  is  it  • 

Pep.  They  say  'tis  the  Dutch  guns  at  Chatham.     Mercy  on  us  ! 

Nell.  Oh  !  would  I  were  a  tire-ship  to  blow  the  Dutchman  out  of  the 
water  ! 

Kins;.  (An  enemy's  guns — and  in  English  -waters  !) 

Rich.  De  Ruyter  at  Chatham,  and  I  not  there  !     I  owe  that  to  her ! 

Pep.  There  they  go — boom  !  boom  !  boom  I  Pray  heaven  the  yard 
may  be  safe ! 

Riek.  The  sound  makes  me  mad  !  Ship  or  no  ship,  I'll  but  see 
Wildman,  take  from  him  those  papers,  and  leave  them  with  the  Duke 
of  Buckingham,  and  then  to  the  fleet.     Good-by,  Nelly. 

Nctl.  What — will  you  go  1  Heigho  !  At  least,  promise  to  see  me 
to-morrow  at  twelve. 

Rich.  Yes,  yes,  at  twelve*,  good-by. 

Nell.  Nay  ;  we  must  have  a  parting  health  ! 

Rich.  No!  Those  guns  have  sobered  me.  They  ring  the  knell  of 
England's  honor  in  my  ears  !  Yes,  I  wid  give  you  a  health  :  the  health 
that  should  be  drunk  to  that  ignominious  music  !  Fill  your  glasses  high, 
ladies  and  gentles  of  the  Court,  for  I  drink  to  the  memory  of  a  man! 
By  birth  a  yeoman,  and  by  soul  an  emperor.  Raise  your  glasses  high, 
dwarfs,  for  I  drink  to  a  giant.  Whiles  he  lived,  no  Dutchman  swept  the 
narrow  seas!  no  Castlemaines  dishonored  the  high  places,  and  insulted 
the  matrons  of  the  land.  Vice  and  folly  trembled  at  his  eye,  and  all 
good  things  lay  safe  beneath  his  mighty  shadow.  He  died,  and  then 
dogs  took  courage  and  tore  the  great  man's  bi)dy  from  the  tomb — from 
hallowed  ground;  but  no  power  can  tear  him  from  his  immortal  se- 
pulchre in  England's  heart.  [Rises  and  removes  his  hat.^  Honor  and 
reverence  to  those  dishonored  bones  that  were  the  Protector  ;  aye  !  the 
protector  of  every  honest  man,  and  chaste  woman  in  the  land ;  and  the 
scourge  of  cowardly  soldiers,  of  unchristian  prelates,  of  cutpurse  nobles, 
and  lascivious  kings  ! 

King.  Such  speeches  as  these  lay  the  tongue  that  utters  them  in  the 
dust. 

Steu\  Oh,  heed  him  not.  Sire  !  he  is  drunk,  he  is  mad;  and  I  am  to 
blame  for  it.  You  know,  Sire,  to  serve  my  Lord  Buckhurst,  I  caused 
your  Majesty  to  disgrace  this,  your  zealous  servant. 

Re-enter  Chiffinch,  l.  u.  e. 
Chif.  The  Queen  is  come  to  herself,  and  asks  for  your  Majesty. 


34  THE  king's  rival. 

Kins.  The  Dutch  at  Chatham  !  Cromwell's  memory  pledged  in  my 
hearinii;!  You  shall  dearly  ahye  this  !  I  come,  Chiflinch.  Oh.  what  I 
wiih  secret  tr:uti)rs,  open  enemies,  a  cold  mistress,  and  a  loving  wife, 
who  would  be  the  Kinsj  of  England  !  \^Guns  cease. — Exi'.,  l.  u.  k. 

Rich^  Farewell,  Nelly. 

Nell..  Nay;  I'll  not  hudge  this  hour  yet. 

Rich.  Then,  I  leave  you  to  the  eliarrre  of  Master  Pepys.  I  have 
urgent  business  with  Major  Wildman.  Those  papers  safe  in  the  Duke's 
hands.  I'll  straight  to  Chatham.  A  Dutch  bullet  may  save  me  from  the 
guilt  of  treason  yet !  \^I'lxit,  l.  u.  e. 

Stew.  Richmond  gone  alone  I  He  has  left  his  base  companions.  I'll 
follow  and  tell  liiin  all.  \^A  confused  noise  heard  outside,  r.  v  e.]  What's 
that^ 

IS  ell.  Go,  and  learn  what  bear's  loose,  Samuel. 

Pep.  That  way  the  noise  is.  [J-Jxll.  R.  u.  e. 

Stew  A  crowd  rush  hitherwards !  \A'hat's  that  cry !  Ha !  The 
plague ! 

[A  confused  crowd  of  men  and  loomcn  rush  across  stage,  crying  : 
•  Fly  '.  fly  V  from  r.  u.  e. 

Re-enter  Pepys,  haggard,  and  in  terror,  r.  u.  e. 

Nell.  Whatl  whati 

Pep.  One  stricken  with  the  plague  hath  escaped  from  his  house  info 
the  gardens.  He  comes  this  way — see  !  see  I  Save  yourselves  Fly  I 
fly!  "  [Ent,u. 

Stew.  [To  Nell.]  Are  you  not  afraid.  Madam  T 

Nell.  Yes  ;  but  running  wont  help  us  ;  best  stand  firm. 

[3Iore  people  jjass  over,  with  confused  noise. 

Enter  Major  Wildm.in,  r.  u.   e.,  pale  and  delirious,  in  his  shirt  and 
breeches;  dress  torn  and  icet. 

Wild.  Ha  !  The  fiends  fly  from  me.  Ha  !  ha  !  ha  !  Avaunt  Satha- 
nas — I  am  strong — smite — smite — and  spare  not.  The  father's  head 
fell — why  not  the  son's?  'Tis  written  the  saints  shall  reign  a  thousand 
years.  (The  papers — have  we  not  set  our  hands — see — see — we  have 
no  traitors — no  traitors — I  answer  for  the  Fleet — look  how  they  throw 
up  their  caps.  Hark  !  For  God  and  the  people  I  Hush — hush — good 
friends  !  Not  yet — not  yet.  I  must  see  the  papers  safe  And  the 
Duke  comes  not — as  he  said.  How  dark  it  is  !  Lights  !  liijhts  !  I  will 
go — but  I  am  weak  and  weary — torment  me  not.  \A'hat  fire  is  this — in 
my  brain,  and  in  my  heart!  I  parch— Oh,  for  heaven's  sake,  water!) 
The  papers  !  See  them  safe.  'Tis  life  and  death  !  The  fiend  has  me 
by  the  throat  !  I'm  burning — burning!  \^'ater  !  water  I  The  papers! 
"V^'ater  !     Will  no  Christian  bring  water  to  a  dying  man  !  [Falls. 

Stew.  Poor  soul!     I  will,  though  I  take  death  in  exchange. 

[Gars  to  tabic  and  sets  water. 

Nell.  Oh,  no  !  not  yon  ;  let  me  go.  My  life  is  worth  far  less  than 
yours.     You  are  a  lady  of  rank.  [Runs  off,  v.  e.  l. 

Stew.  And  claim  the  privilege  of  rank  :  the  post  of  danger.  [Givet 
Major  Wildman  water '\  How  greedily  he  drinks. 


THE  king's  rival.  35 

V/dd    And  angels  came  and  ministered  unto  him.     The  papers — 
Slet,-.   These   papers   lie  heavy  on  his  mind — they  should  be  of  mo- 
ment, [lakes  papers. 
Wild.  Aye — so.  so — thanks — you'll  keep  them — remember,  all  have 
signed — blcssiujjs  on  you,  you  have  the  papers — I  can  sleep  now — 

[He  falls  back. 

Steid    He  has   fainted,   poor   -juull     But  these   papers  — there  was  a 

fearful   iin[)ort   in    his   broken   woids.      J^et  me   see.    \^Opens  papers.^ 

What's  here  !     A   compact   against   the  King!     Treason!     I   am  the 

instrument  of  heaven  lo  save  liL'^i. 

\_KiUcr  has/ill/  Nei.l  Gwv.n.ve  •;/•///(   men  and  torches,  u.  e.  l.,  who 
aurround  \V^ildm.\x. 
Stew.  To  the  Kin^.  [Rushes  off,  L.  H. 

[Nklly  kncci'^i  o.yer  W  ild.man;  Ulc  ihcii.  hold  their  torches  up  so  as  to 
Ugkf  the  scene. 

KXl)    OF    .\CT    in. 


ACT    IV. 

SCENE  — An  apartment  in  (he  Duice  of  Richmond's  house,  richly 
furnished,  c. — A  velvet  curiam  drawn  across  cntraiicc  to  inner  room 
R.  (J. — A  private  door,  'near  which  a  hay  window,  L.  2  E.  Door  l.  h. 

Enter  Servant,  ushering  in  with  great  respect  Miss  Stewart,  l.  h. 

(SVto.  My  lord  bade  nie  say  he  should  be  here  at  twelve  of  the  clock, 
— 'tis  upon  the  stroke.     Pray  vou  be  seated.  Madam,  [places  chair,  hoivs. 

[Exit,  L. 

S!cii\  I  am  in  Richmond's  house  !  This  boldness  may  be  mis-read  ; 
but  it  is  for  his  salvation,  and  for  mine  !  How  changed  he  is  !  It  is 
despair  that  drives  him  to  dice,  and  wine  !  If  words  of  mine  can  do  me 
right,  and  raising  me,  lift  him  to  what  he  should  be, — to  what  he  i.s, 
—  shall  priilc  of  blood,  or  maiden  daintiness  withhold  them  !  I  will  see 
him, — speak  lo  him,— and  he  shall  believe  me,  too,  before  I  quit  this 
house.  It  is  here  he  sits,  on  this  chair,  methinks, — dear  Charles  !  [sits 
in  chair  and  smdes.]  And  here  he  writes,  and  there  is  the  cabinet  where 
he  stores  his  papers  and  jirecious  things.  Does  he  treasure  auuht  of 
mine!  I  keep  all  his  hand  has  traced,  [eyes  rlramr.r  wistfitlly.]  Nay, 
that  wrre  ungenerous  ? — Why  does  be  not  come  !  I  will  watch  for  him 
at  ilie  v.indow.  [stands  al  iriJidoic]  How  shall  I  S[)eak  to  him  ' — how 
soothe  his  wounded  spirit  1 — how  bring  him  back  to  belief  of  me,  to  rcs[)ect 
of  himself ! — how  make  him  once  more  the  Richmond  I  have  loved, — 
love  sliil  '  The  star  of  chivalry, — the  flower  of  manhood, — the  soul  of 
honor  !  Love  will  teach  me  how.  Yet  he  comes  not  Ah  !  a  coach 
draws  up  at  the  door.  'Tis  he  !  No,  it  is  a  woman.  She  approaches 
the  door  now.  Oli,  turn. — turn  !  [sta>ts.^  'Tis  the  actress.  How  fair 
she  is  ;  s!ie  is  coming  here, — here,  where  I  am  !  "  What  said  th.it 
1-jcquey  1  Twelve  o'clock, — 'li.s  a  set  meeting.  I  am  too  late,  too  late  I" 
[wrings  her  hands."]  This   is  no   place   for  me  !   [going.     Nell  speaks 


Sii  THE    king's    rival. 

toilhout.]  She  will  find  me  I — "  she  will  make  me  the  town  talk  ! — she 
will  say  we  met  on  the  same  errand  I  Oh,  shame  !"  Is  tiiere  no 
escape  !  Ah,  this  curtain  I  [i!ra}rs  curtain  a  Utile  on  one  .?«/«.]  Duke 
of  Richmond,  you  have  cuiiipeiled  mc  to  conceal  myself, — to  hide  my 
head  before  such  as  she  !      Oh,  Kichmund  ! — Richmond  I 

Yrctires  behind  curtain,  r.  c. 
Nell.  [withotit.'\    Loss  ceremony,  my   good  man, — I   can   make  my 
entrance  without  a  call  boy. 

Enter  Nell,  l.  h. 

Not  here  !  Faith,  this  is  gallant!  Well,  I'll  examine  the  field  of 
battle,  that  is  to  he,  when  we've  liretl  of  one  another.  So, — a  private 
door,  locked  !  That  is  to  put  u.s  away  when  a  rival  comes  ;  and  here  a 
curtain. — that's  to  put  our  rivals  away  when  7ve  come.  A  cabinet  I 
brimful  of  secrets!  and  unlocked  [hesitates  a  mdmcrit  ]  Then  what 
riirht  has  he  to  leave  me  alone  with  it  1  [opc7is  drawer  ]  "  Log  of  His 
Majesty's  ship  '  Rupert.'  "  Log  !  I'll  no  loi^'s,  save  to  l)urn  at  Christ- 
mas tide  !  What's  here  !  Letters, — tied  wiih  blue  ribbon  in  a  true- 
lover's  knot, — a  woman's  hand  too  !  lJy-and-l>y.  Letter.^, —  and  here 
a  brooch,  and  a  love-lock  !  Oh,  ho  !  "rloss}',  soft,  and  bhick  as  jet  ! 
Yes,  this  is  an  old  Cupid's  cable,  and  once  anchored  the  good  ship 
Richmond  :  ''but  what  then, — the  lock  always  outlasis  ihe  love,  as  this 
shall, —  for  it  is  my  turn  now.  I  like  this  duke. — he  mopes  and  drinks, 
and  is  riding  post-haste  to  the  devil,  lor  a  woman, — signs  he  has  a 
heart.  I'll  cure  him  of  his  green  sickness, — it  will  be  achaiitable  deed, 
and  good  sport,  too,  while  it  lasts."  Steps  !  here  he  comes,  anil  before 
I  have  read  his  letters  !  [fiici;  to  seat 

Enter  Richmond,  hastily,  l.  h. 

Rich.  Thy  pardon,  fair  Nelly,  that  I  have  made  thee  wait. 

Hell    Oh,  I  have  had  companions  here. 

Jiich.   Companions  ! 

If  ell.  Your  four  walls,  [astdc  ]  Oh,  lud  !  there's  one  of  the  drawers 
not  shut. 

Rich.  As  good  companions  I  fear,  as  their  master,  the  kinder  of  thee 
to  venture  to  to  dull  a  house. 

Nell.  W^ell,  now  I  am  here,  what  are  j-ou  going  to  say  to  me  ! 

Rich.  What  but  the  old  tale — how  I  admire  thee. 

Nell.  No.  you  do  not.     Tell  me  what  you  admire  me  for! 

Rich.  For  thy  frank  and  sunny  temper.  Thou  art  thyself  I  am 
sick  of  hypocrisy.  Feigning  hearts,  and  false,  smooth  laces  have 
tortured  mo  to  death.  Thy  open  brow,  without  mask  or  veil,  have 
comfort  for  me.  I  come  to  it  like  a  desert  traveller,  to  ficsh,  clear 
water. 

Nell.  Were  that  in  rhyme,  now,  'twere  worth  a  round  from  the  pit ! 
Well,  you  have  hit  my  good  point — I  am  an  honest  woman — 

Rich.  How  long  could  so  airy  a  spirit  put  up  with  so  dull  a  rogue  as 
I,  Mistress  Gvvynne  ? 

Nell.  Nell  ! 

Rich.  [sadly.'\  Nell! 


THE  king's  rival.  37 

Nell.  Nol  not  that  sort  of  Nell  ;  I'm  not  '  the  knell,  that  summons 
you  to  Heaven  or  to'' — the  cellar  under  the  stage. 

Mich.  Thou  art  a  merry  soul. 

Nell,  ril  make  you  another,  only  you  must  not  be  frovvard,  but  take 
my  physic  like  a  good  child. 

liicli.  Shall  I  love  thee! 

Hell.  I  doubt  if  you  know  how.  He  who  loves  Nelly  must  not  be 
jcalous^I  am  so  fond  of  sport  !  Jealou.sy  is  not  a  lit  companion  for  a 
hero  ;  it  drives  you  to  mad  courses — drink,  and  dice,  and — spare  my 
blusiies  for  the  rest. 

liich.  Then  thou  knowest  ;  oh,  cure  me.  Nelly — no  niatter  how — 
teach  me  to  forget  her — thinking  of  whom — I  forget  myself  I  have 
been  mad — I  am  mad  I  Slie  is  destroying  me.  Good, .kind,  lionest 
Nelly,  help  me  to  root  out  of  my  heart,  one  that  is  unworthy  a  place  in 
any  true  man's.     Do  this,  and  be  the  poor.  lost  Richmond's  friend 

[Miss  Stewart  kIicws  her  face  pale  as  dca/Ji  at  llie  ciirlain. 

Nell.  Yes  1  But  belore  I  mix  my  physic,  let  me  know  the  sickness  I 
am  to  cure  you  of  Have  you  loved  Mistress  Sievvarl  long  !  Have  you 
been  true  to  her!  Odd's  bodikins  !  What  a  quesiiou  !  I'f  course 
not  ! 

Rich.  My  love  for  her  was  the  centre  of  my  soul  I  If  I  led  a  severe 
life  in  those  dissolute  days,  it  was  lest  siie  should  ever  blush  ibr  me; 
if  I  sought  for  honor  in  war,  it  was  that  she  might  draw  more  pleasure 
and  more  pride  from  my  love.  She  was  n)y  sun  !  The  sun  is  set,  the 
night  and  the  frost  are  upon  me,  and  I  am  withered  away.  \\  ould  j'ou 
kno-w  how  I  loved  her — compare  what  I  was  when  we  were  one  in 
heart,  with  what  I  am  now — a  Damascus  blade  rusted,  an  escutcheon 
blackened,  a  ship  rotting  or.  the  shore,  an  idle  man,  a  drunken  duke. 

Nell.  I  envy  you  !  \^saiU]/.^  I  could  not  love  anybody  enough  to  be 
miserable  for  them. 

Rich.  My  love  is  all  misery  now 

Nell.  No,  not  all — why  an'  you  go  to  that,  the  soul  of  man  brings 
him  grief  that  the  brutes  escape  ibr  want  of  a  soul.  Yet  who  would 
lose, 

•'Though  full  of  pain  this  intellectual  being. 
These  thoughts  that  wander  through  eternity.'' 
'Tis  vile  taste  to  quote  John  Milton,  but  the  roundhead  sings  better  than 
our  poets,  that  have  no  head,  round  or  square.  Sti.l  keep  your  soul 
tho'  'tis  the  seat  of  sutlering  ;  still  keep  the  choicest  jewel  of  that  soul  ; 
your  love  for  Mistress  Stewart.  [Richmo.xd  kixacs  her  hmid.j  True  I 
could  cure  you  but  how  <  Blunt  the  pain  by  deadening  the  heart  that 
feels  it — villanous  surgerj'  !  [r/.ves.J  but  no  noble  nature  was  ever 
corru[)ted  or  lowered  by  me,  nor  ever  shall  ;  for  all  the  world  contains  I 
would  not  have  that  sin  on  my  hands  now,  nor  its  remorse  on  my  soul 
when  I  come  to  the  end  of  my  time. 

Rich.  How  little  tb.e  world  knows  you  1     Yours  is  a  heart  of  gold  I 

Nell.  Heart  of  a  fiddle  ;  come,  sit  by  me,  and  tell  me,  what  has  Miss 
Stewart  done,  that  you  despair  ! 

Rich.  Done  !  Is  she  not  quoted  in  all  mouths  the  royal  favorite  ;  alJ 
know  how  this  King's  favor  is  purchased  by  her  sex  1 


38"  TIIK    KINO  S    RIVAL. 

Nell.  We'll  grant  you  that — what,  besides  \ 

Rich.  Seeing  I  know  this  dnnining  truth,  her  heart  has  so  turned 
atraiust  me,  that  she  lias  rohl)ed  me  of  mj'  command,  leaves  me  to  rust 
here,  a  tliinir  for  these  fiyl'low  courtiers  to  spend  their  buzz  on. 

Nell.   Hum  !      What  more  1 

Rich.  Is't  not  enough  !  Her  fair  fame  is  soiled — her  nature  corrupted 
• — till  she  hates  me  wliom  she  onco  loved. 

Nell.  How  fast  you  go  !  Humph  !  'J'he  way  to  read  a  woman  is  to 
put  yourself  in  her  place,  if  you  happen  to  be  a  woman.  Now  let  us 
apply  this  test;  lam  Mistress  Stewart,  you  are  my  lover — the  King 
wuos  me  ;  if  I  favor  the  King,  you  are  in  my  way  :  I  should  say  to  the 
KiniT  "  Here's  an  ass  that  loves  me,  but  luckily  he  loves  laurels  too — 
m:\kii  him  an  admiral — send  him  to  sea — and  get  him  handsomely 
knocked  on  the  head."     But  say  I  favor  you — 

Rich.  What  then  1 

Nell.  Why  then,  scholar,  I  keep  you  by  me  for  my  own  pleasure, 
and  thereby  check  to  the  King. 

Rich.  Mistress  Gwynne  ! 

Nell.  Ntlly!  What  I  Is  daylinht  breaking  in  1  Oh,  I  forgive  you  ; 
you  are  a  novice  and  a  hero,  but  that  Old  Rowley,  with  his  experience, 
should  l>e  crulled  by  her  into  taking  your  command,  and  keeping  you  at 
the  court  here — that  does  amaze  me  !  Lucky  for  both  his  Majesty  and 
you,  I  am  not  a  man — I  would  whip  her  away  from  both  of  you — a  pair 
of  nil! — com  — poops  1     Hal   ha  I   ha!  ha! 

Rich.  Nelly! 

Nell,  "\^'hat  1  'Tis  Nelly  now:  yes.  many  things  are  possible; 
Portsmouth  may  be  virtuous,  the  sky  may  rain  Burgundy,  Nelly  may 
turn  Puritan.  JBut  that  she  who  clipped  your  wings  lest  you  should  fly 
away  from  you — that  this  woman  loves  you  not — is  impossibU; ! 

Rich.  Oh,  what  comfojtable  words  are  these,  [hcsiiates.]  And  yet 
the  King's  pursuit  of  her — 

Nell.  Is  hot  as  ever  !  A  sure  proof  the  man  has  not  caught  her  yet! 
Must  I  teach  you  the  alphabet  of  your  own  se.K  as  well  as  mine  ! 

Rich.  Heaven  bless  the  tongue  that  speaks  these  words  ;  they  are 
balm  to  my  brain,  they  are  blood  to  my  veins,  and  sunshine  to  my  heart ! 
What  fiend  has  blinded  me  to  reasons  that  carry  conviction  as  you 
speak  them  \  God  bless  you  !  You  have  conquered.  I  believe  in  her 
— I  love  her  once  again  ! 

Enter  Servant,  with  note,  l.  h. 

Scrv.  These  from  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  my  lord. 

Rich.  From  Buckingham,  [reail.'i  direction.']  Haste — -po.^t  haste  !  I 
am  a  conspirator  !  Oh,  why  did  I  ever  plot  !  My  love  is  true,  I  will 
enoa<>-e  no  further  in  this  desperate  business.  But  what  does  he  write  ! 
[rcad'f.]  "  Come  to  me  on  the  instant,  our  sky  clouds — Warehawk." 
Some  danger  toward — nay.  then,  I  cannot  fall  o?L.  [/o  Nell.]  Your 
pardon,  I  must  to  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  but 

Nell.  But  you  would  come  back  and  hear  La  Belle  further.  "\^'ell, 
shall  I  wait  your  return  \ 

Rich.  Pr'ythee  do  ;  'twill  be  a  crowning  charity,  sweet  Nelly. 

[Exit,  L  II. 


THE  king's  rival.  39 

Nell.  I've  lifted  twenty  years  off  that  man's  head.  How  the  fellow 
treads  now  !  Ah  I  haughty  prude  !  you  will  never  know  how  much 
you  owe  the  greatest  coquette  in  London. 

[Miss  Stewakt  comes  from  behind  cw?7.»7».'?.] 
Metliii:ks  I  see  her,  if  one  should  tell  her  of  this,    I  couid  act  her  now, 
as  with  her  queenly  brow  and  i'alcon  eye  slie  holds  out  her  dainty  lingers 
tj  Nelly,   thus, — '•  Here    is   your  reward — you  may  kiss  the  Stewart's 
hand."' 

t</ew.  (r  )  [in  a  fai7)t  voice.)     Mistress  Gwynne  1 

Nell,  (l.)  Who  calls  ]     A  lady  !     Mistress  Stewart  or  her  ghost  I 

Stew.   It  is  I — Frances  Stewart.      I  was  behind  that  curtain. 

Nell.  What  the  plague — she  must  have  heard  every  word  !  What  ! 
Did  you  hide  yourself  to  listen  1 

8(ew.  Oh,  no  ;  madam  !  I  was  here  awaiting  my  lord,  when  you 
came  ;  I  hid  myself;  I  feared  you  would  expose  me  ;  I  was  like  the 
world — I  did  not  know  you,  madam. 

Nell.  Well,  Mistress  Stewart,  proverbs  are  not  always  true  ;  you  lis- 
tened— but  heard  some  good  of  yourself !  The  best  I  can  make  on't 
now,  is  to  call  my  coach  and  leave  you  to  the  duke. 

Stew.   What,  before  I  have  said  one  word  to  you  1 

Nell.  (She  seems  moved.) 

S/ew.  Ah,  I  understand  I  You  think  I  am  ungrateful;  they  have 
told  you  I  am  cold.  Yes;  I  am  cold  to  the  false-hearted,  Mistress 
Gwynne  ;  I  live  in  a  court — I  live  among  reptiles  that  crawl  about  me 
and  freeze  my  heart  to  stone.  But  you  have  showed  me  this  day  a 
great  heart — an  hone.^t  heart  within  a  mile  of  Whitehall  ;  and  I  long  to 
warm  myself  at  it.  but  you  turn  away  from  me.  What  !  You  lay  me 
under  so  huge  a  debt,  and  will  take  no  payment!  That  is  unkind — 
that  is  not  like  you. 

Nell.  Mistress  Stewart  !     Why,  it  is  a  woman  like  myself  I 

Sleic.  In  good  faith  it  is  ;  and  what  would  you  do  had  I  served  you 
as  you  have  served  me  this  day  1 

Nell.  Something,  I'll  be  sworn,  that  would  noways  become  Mistress 
Stewart. 

Slew.   But  what  would  you  do ! 

Nell.  Faith,  1  should  take  the  impudent  jade  round  the  neck,  and 
give  her  two  great  smacks  on  each  cheek.      Ha  !  ha  1   ha  ! 

Stcic.  Ah,  so  !  [^kissing  her  warmly.}  And  so.  Oh.  my  heart  is  too 
full  to  speak!   [enibracts  kcr.} 

Nell.  Don't  cry  ;  there  is  nothing  to  cry  about,  except  that  I  am  not 
worthy  of  your  kisses  ;  let  me  go,  you  forget  who  I  am — Nell  Gwynne, 
the  actress. 

8t('W.  Hush,  hush  ;  I  believe  not  a  word  the  court  says  of  vou — I 
never  will  ;  hear  how  it  talks  of  me.  You  have  an  honest  heart — how 
have  I  pined  for  one  I     Oh.  lay  that  honest  heart  to  initie! 

Nell.  You,  sweet  lady  !  I  love  you — I  would  die  to  serve  vou  ! 
[whimpers.      Miss  Stewart  dries  Nelly's  tears  vnlh  her  handkerchief.] 

Re-enter  hastily  the  Duke  of  Richmond — he  stands  transfixed  with 
surprise. 


40  THE    king's    rival. 

Nell.  The  duke  !   [about  to  rrcotl.     Miss  S   liolds  her  hand.'] 

Stew  (v.)  Yes,  I  iiin  lieie;  I  was  trying  to  lliank  this  s;ooiJ  soul,  and 
could  find  no  words  ;  forgive  nic,  lUchiuoiid,  as  I  forgive  you.  How 
have  we  misread  each  other  ! 

Rirh.  (l.)  What !  my  own  noble  Frances  !  You  ask  me  to  forgive 
you  !  Me  !  an  infidel,  who  doubled  of  the  sun,  because  a  cloud  came 
between  nie  and  its  glorious  presence. 

Stew.  Nay,  'tis  I  am  most  to  blame  ;  I  left  the  one  safe  track — tlie 
path  of  truth.  To  shield  my  lover,  I  stooped  to  deceive  the  King  ;  and 
I  did  not  deceive  the  King,  and  I  deceived  my  lover  ;  benceforlb  P'ran- 
ces  Stewart  walks  in  the  narrow  path  of  truth,  aye,  though  it  lead  her 
unto  death  ! 

Kich.  I  will  approve  my  penitence  by  a  life  of  trust  and  love. 

Stew.  Forget  the  past,  dear  Richmond  ;  we  know  each  other  now. 
[turns  to  Nell.]  God  bless  you  for  it.  And  once  to  know  now,  is  it 
not  to  know  for  ever  !    [they  embrace] 

Stew.  I  will  tell  the  King  all  ;  how  can  he  hurt  yon  ;  you  are  an 
Englishman,  and  break  no  law  ;  therefore  the  law  will  sliield  you,  aye, 
though  it  be  against  a  King.     Cromwell  has  not  lived  all  in  vain. 

Rich.  Madman  that  I  was  !  I  had  the  vantage  ground,  and  I  have 
left  it ;  curse  on  my  hot  head. 

Stew.  Think  no  more  of  the  past,  my  dearest,  look  forward  to  our 
future — it  seems  so  bright,  so  beautiful  ! 

Rich.  Heaven  grant  it  may  be  so  I  \a.'<ide'\  Wildman  missing  with 
those  papers — the  compact  and  our  names — that  bodes  ill. 

NcJl.  (r  )  \lo  Stkw.\kt.]  The  Duke  is  disturbed. 

Huh.  Forgive  this  trouble,  'tis  not  for  myself,  but  for  thee,  for  thee, 
iny  precious  one. 

Nell.  I  understand.  He's  right,  fair  mistress  you  are  in  danger,  but 
be  ruled  by  me,  and  VW  set  you  out  of  shot  of  the  King.  But  you'll 
obey  me,  both  of  you  ? 

Rich.  You  have  a  title  to  my  obedience. 

Stew.  A  better  still  to  mine. 

Nell.  Then  you  will  be  ruled  by  poor  little  Nelly,  great  folks,  upon 
your  honor? 

Rirh.  Upon  our  honor  ! 

Nell.  Then  upon  my  honor,  you  shall  be  married,  ere  the  day's  ten 
minutes  older — aye,  in  this  house. 

Rich.   Dearest,  we  have  promised  to  obey. 

St^ew.  Married  !     Here  !     Now  !     Impossible  ! 

Nell.   Impossible,  quotha  I     Try,  you'll  find  it  easier  than  to  undo. 

Stew.  This  is  too  sudden. 

Nell.  Would  you  sacrifice  his  happiness,  and  to  ceremony  1  The 
husband  can  defend,  where  the  lover  is  powerless.  I  hold  you  to  your 
word. 

Slew.  But  there  is  none  to  stand  by  me  at  the  altar,  no  witness,  no 
clergyman. 

Nell.  I'll  find  all.  For  a  father — the  first  sober  gentleman  will  serve, 
{goes  to  windoic,  l.  2.  e.]  Ha,  in  the  nick  of  time — Master  Pepys  and 


THE    king's    rival,  41 

his  modest  brother,   [ficckons.]  He  shakes  his  perriwig ;  nay,  then,  the 
magic  leaves  must  compel.   \^shukcs  Icaocs  of  diary  J  I  thought  so  ! 
Enter  Pepys,  l.  h. 

Pcpxji.   You  calleLl.  fiir  Nell.      Ha,  Mistress  Stewart !      My  lord! 

Nell.  This  lady  is  to  marry  that  gentleman,  and  you  are  to  give  her 
away. 

[Stew.\et  and  Richmond  retire.     Pkpys  beckons  Nell  aside. 

Pepys.  Give  her  away — to  him  !  His  .Majesty's  ward,  and  a  maid  of 
honor,  is  not  given  away  lilce  a  bona  roha  at  a  Fleet-marriage — no,  I 
must  think  of  my  advancement.     I  take  no  part  in  such  mad  doings  ! 

Nell    Say  you  so? 

Pepi/s.  Nay,  more.     The  Kina;  shall  know  of  this. 

Nell,  [fakes  papers  from  her  pocket.]  And  the  King  shall  know  of  this 
— [reads.] — "  To  Whitehall,  and  there  in  the  matted  gallery " 

Pepys.  The  missing  leaves  of  my  journal  book  ! 

i\'e//  '•  But  Ijord,  to  see  how  the  poor  shallow  King  is  fooled  of  all — 
and  what  small  respect  he  hath  of  himself " 

Pepys    Nay,  Mistress  Nelly 

KclL.  "  And  is  grown  of  late  methinks,  marvellous  ill  favored."  His 
majesty  will  relisli  this. 

Pepys.  Pr'ythee,  for  mercy's  sake 

Nell.  "  Thence  to  the  .Mulberry  garden,  with  Knipp,  telling  my  wife, 

poor  wretch!   I  had  business  in  the  office "     Mrs.  Pepys  will  like 

that! 

Pepys.  Nay,  nay,  Nelly,  hold — give  me  those  leaves,  and  I'll  do  your 
bidding  in  nil  things. 

Nell.  I.^ndertake  then,  and  with  a  good  grace. 

Pepys.  yto  Rich.mond  and  Miss  Stew.\rt.]  Fair  lady,  my  good  lord, 
I  esteem  myself  liap[)y  to  be  thus  trusted,  di-spose  of  my  poor  self  as  you 
will. 

Rirh.  [/(I  Nelly]  But.  the  clergyman. 

Ndhj.  Master  Pepys,  call  brother  John  !     He's  below— I  saw  him. 

Pepys.   But  if  the  King  comes  to  know,  'twill  be  the  poor  lad's  ruin. 

Nell,  [reads  slowly.]  "At  the  office,  counting  of  my  gains  from  the 
last  prizes.     The  Lord  forgive  me!" 

Pepys  Nay  then,  f  must  [/o  Miss  Stewart  arid  Richmo.vd.]  My 
brother  waits  below  and  v^'ill  be  honored  by  this  trust.  ('Tis  an  undone 
youth  )  [Exit   L. 

Ricli.  How  long  the  moments  seem  till  we  are  one  ! 
Re-enter  Pepys,  with  John  Pepys,  l.  1  e. 

Pepys-  Thy  congee,  John.  My  brother,  madam.  Plague  on't.  [aside, 
to  John.]   'Tis  great  advancement  for  thee,  John. 

Nell.    Reverend  sir.  you  are  to  marry  this  lady  to  this  gentleman. 

John.  I  will  bind  them  as  fast  as  e'er  a  bishop  in  the  land.  I've  the 
rubric  in  my  pocket. 

Pepys.  [aside  tn  Nell.]   And  now  give  me  my  leaves. 

Nell.   What !  before  the  knot  is  tied,  old  fox  !     No  ! 

Pepys.  [axide  ]  There  is  no  escape  I  John,  thou  art  marvellously 
favored  in  this  ;  remember,  'tis  to  me  thoii  owest  it. 


42  THE  king's  J;ival. 

John.  I  am  bounden  to  3'ou.  brother. 

Nell.  In  then,  fatiier  and  priest. 

\_Exeiint  Pepys  and  John  lo  inner  room,  b.  c. 
Now  \^lo  Miss  S.  and  Rich. J   I  will  be  your  sentinel! 

liicli.  Was  ever  man  so  happy,  yet  so  fearful ;  my  love,  I  ought  to 
bid  you  pause — reflect,  ere  you  take  this  step  ;  yet,  how  can  1 1  Heaven 
forgive  me — how  can  1 1 

Stew.  ]t  were  in  vain — I  would  not  desert  you  now.  The  hand  that 
now  takes  thine,  throws  down  defiance  to  a  King  ;  but  if  destruction 
fall,  it  falls  on  two  souls  knit  strong  in  one.  Come  I — you  believe  I 
love  you  now  ]  [Exit  with  Richmond,  e.  c. 

Nell.  I  would  go  too,  but  I  fear  I  should  laugh  and  spoil  the  cere- 
mony ;  I  always  laugh  at  the  high  tragical — but  I  will  peep  !  They  are 
all  kneeling  I  Ay,  the  place  is  holy — how  solemn  that  lad's  voice 
sounds ;  the  woman  vi'eeps,  the  man  is  pale.  It  is  a  high  and  holy  con- 
tract!  They  join  hands  before  the  priest — those  are  great  vs-ords — 
'•  Through  evil  report  and  good  report,  for  better  for  worse — till  death 
Us  do  part."  May  that  be  far  off!  Heaven's  blessing  be  on  you! 
Yours  is  a  sacred  union.  It  seals  the  love  that  makes  hearts  pure,  and 
fits  them  for  a  better  world  than  this.  I  shall  never  stand  so  before  the 
priest !  The  Church  will  never  give  me  Heaven's  blessing  !  No  honest 
man  will  so  love  me!  I  shall  die  Nell  Gwynne — and  men  will  say  I 
was  a  wanton !  Who  will  believe  my  heart  was  not  corrupt]  Oh,  woe 
is  me  !  woe  is  me  !     Heaven  pity  me  !     Heaven  help  me  ! 

Enter  suddenly  Major  Wildman,  pale  and  dishevelled,  l.  h. 

Wild,  (l.)  The  Duke  of  Richmond,  madam.  I  must  see  him  on  the 
instant. 

Nell,  (r  )  Ah  ! 

Wild.  You  look  scared. 

Nell.  Small  wonder  :  are  you  not  he  wc  saw  death-stricken  in  Spring 
Gardens. 

Wild.  Madam  !  I  have  wrestled  back  to  daylight  from  the  threshold 
of  the  grave!  But  this  is  no  time  to  speak  of  past  dangers.  \\'here 
are  those  papers  1  Did  you  take  them, — have  you  them!  Speak,  for 
the  love  of  heaven  ! 

Nell.  You  terrify  me.  The  papers  are  safe.  Mistress  Stewart  took 
them, — she  was  there. 

Wild.  The  other  lady  !     But  where  are  they  now  ! 

Nell-  In  safe  keeping.     S!ie  gave  them  to  the  King  himself! 

Wild.  To  the  King  ! 

Nell.  Seeing  you  so  troubled  about  them,  she  read,  and  saw  they 
were  treason  ;  as  you  could  not  give  them  to  his  Majesty,  she  did. 

Wild    She  has  struck  our  heads  from  our  shoulders  ! 

Nrll.  How  ! — They  were  not  for  the  Kintr ! 

Wild.  Disguise  is  useless  now.     You  are  the  Duke's  friend. 

Nell.  To  the  death! 

Wdd.  They  were  a  compact  for  the  Kinjr's  undoing;  signed  by  the 
Duke  of  Buckingham,  myself,  tlie  Duke  of  llichmoiid 

Nell.   RichmontI  !     Oh   this  is  terrible  ! 


THE    KINGS    RIVAL.  43 

Wild.  I  came  to  warn  him.     A  ship  waits  in  the  river  to  carry  us  to 
Flanders.     He  must  fly  with  me.     Bring  me  where  he  is. 
Nc/f.  It  cannot  be.     Fly  you.     I  will  warn  him. 
Wild.   Yes  ! — I   must  fly  ;   but   not  till  I  have  put  him  on  his  guard  ; 
nor  till  we  Imve  taken  vengeance   on   the  traitorous  hand  that  lias  be- 
trayed us 

JVell.  She  knew  not  what   she  did.     Leave  her  and  him  to  my  care 
and  heaven  ! 

Wild.   Where  is  lie  1 
Nell.  There! 

[The  curtain  is  drawn  iy  Nelly.      The   Duke  and  Duchess   arc 

discovered  at  the  Altar  hand  in-hand  ;   others  grouped  round. 

Mv.';ic. 
Wild.  Mistress  Stewart,  too  !     What  does  he.  hand-in-hand  with  the 
woman  who  has  destroyed  iiim  ! 
Nell.  Husli !     Man  and  wife  ! 

[WiLDMAN  staggers  back,  and  act-drop  descends. 

END    OF    ACT    IV. 


ACT  V. 

SCENE. — The  King's  Clo.set.  Folding  doors,  c.  Secret  door.  r.  c. 
Door  of  Inner  Chamber,  r.  3  E.  Door,  l.  Fire-place,  R.  2  e.  Tables. 
Chairx.  Guitar.  Great  many  -papers  in  confusion.  A  lighted  taper 
on  table.     King  discovered  in  velvet  dressing-goivn,  sealing  letters. 

Kintr.  "V^'hen  I  first  came  to  this  seat  of  thorns,  called  a  throne,  I 
had  a  father's  murder  to  avenge.  I  raised  a  scaflold  for  his  murderers. 
Since  then,  I  have  returned  to  my  natural  humor,  and  been  an  easy 
King — the  tool  of  intriguing  men,  the  dupe  of  intriguinn-  women,  till  the 
name  of  King  bids  fair  to  become  a  laughing-stock  in  this  England.  I 
must  rear  the  scaflold  once  more. 

Enter  Chiffinch,  l. 
Chif  The  Lord  President. 
King.  Admit  him,  and  attend  me  in  the  robing-room. 

[Exit  Chiffinch,  e.  3  k 
Enter  Shaftesbury,  l. 

We  sent  for  you,  my  lord,  that  you  might  prepare  the  Council  for  the 
grave  matter  to  be  laid  before  them  this  day.      Read  that  paper. 

Shaft.  [After  examining  paper.^  Hum!  It  is  treason.  "A  solemn 
league  and  compact  to  dethrone  the  King,"  and  signed  [Pause.]  Has 
your  Majesty  read  these  signatures  1 

Kins'.  No  ;    1  knew  myself  too  well.     You  read  the  names,  my  Lord. 

Shaft.  The  Lord  Grey,  of  Wark — 

Kinn-.  Ah !  1  refused  him  a  place  in  the  Exchequer.  I  meant  it 
kindly  ;  he  has  taken  it  ill.      Go  on. 

Shaft.   Koger  Palmer,  Earl  of  Castlemaine. 


41  THE  kino's  rival. 

Kiyig.  Ah  !  T  have  injured  him.     He  has  a  right  to  butt  at  mc.    Go  on. 

Hhnfl.  Major  Wildman. 

Kins.  Ha,  ha!  a  fifth  monarchy  man — the  old  leaven — he  is  a  mad- 
man, and  nothinj"  worse.      Go  on  ;    why  do  you  pausC  \ 

Shaft.  George  V^illiers,  Duke  of  Buckiii;,fhani. 

Kino-.   My  Lord  !   [Starting  up.]    Do  yi>u  muck  me  I 

Shaft.   It  is,  indeed,  his  hand  and  seal.     Charles — 

King'.  One  moment,  sir — one  moment — this  was  mine  own  familiar 
friend,  in  whom  I  trusted.  Oh  !  who  would  be  a  king  1  Proceed,  my 
Lord. 

Shaft.   Charles  Stewart,  Duke  of  Richmond. 

King:  Hal   [^Starts  np.]  Impossible! 

Shajt.  Nay,  Sire,  see  ! 

[KrxG  lookx  at  vame,  avd  kccpx  the  papers. 

King.  Frances  Stewart !  Oliver's  health !  Treason,  for  once,  I  thank 
thee.  I've  heard  enough  ;  more  than  enough  To  the  Council,  my 
Lord.  Open  this  blacli  business  in  what  fashion  you  will ;  I  will  but 
dress,  and  follow  you. 

Shaft.  The  papers,  Sire,  shall  I  take  them  1 

King.  No  ;  let  the  clerk  fetch  them.  I  would  go  over  the  names.  I 
may  read  them  now.     I  know  the  worst  and  the  best. 

[Sh.4Ftesbury  bows,  and  exits,  c. 

Enter  Page,  l. 

Page.  His  Grace,  the  Duke  of  Pvichmond,  Sire,  requests  a  private 
audience.  [King  puts  papers  o7i  table. 

King.  The  Duke  of — 

Page.  The  Duke  of  Richmond,  your  Majesty. 

King.  A  private  audience  !  Does  he  come  to  assassinate  me  1  Well, 
■we  shall  he  mari  to  man.  I  will  receive  his  Grace  here  after  the  Coun- 
cil [Exit  Page,  l.]  «  The  Duke  of  Richmond  plots  against  my  throne, 
and,  no  doubt,  my  life.  1  wish  him  dead,  for  he  stands  between  me 
and  the  woman  I  love.  He  is  reported  a  gallant  gentleman.  His  hlood 
IS  as  good  as  my  own.  Oh  !  for  once,  to  lay  aside  the  King;  and  love, 
and  iiate,  and  face  my  rival  like  a  man.  Let  him  come.  Should  he 
make  a  motion  to  his  sword,  mine  shall  answer  it ;  I  have  the  one  hero 
which  I  carried  against  Cromwell  at  Worcester,  and  ran  away  from  hiai 
like  all  the  rest.     It  may  have  better  luck  this  time. 

Re-enter  Chiffi.nch,  r.  3  e. 

Chif.  Your  Majesty's  toilet  is  prepared. 
King.  So,  to  the  Council — Buckingham  !  ! 

[Exit,  follou-ed  by  Chiffincii.     Door,  r.  3  K. 
Secret  door  is  cautiously  opened,  r.  c,  and  Nf.lly  peeps  in. 

Nell.  Thank  you  for  this  key,  Madam  Davis.  It  cnnies  in  a  lucky 
time.  No  one  here;  that  is  luckier  sliil.  As  I  expected,  cvervthing  in 
confusion  ;  he  is  a  .■■ad  sloven.  If  he  h.ive  but  left  these  papers  lltler- 
injf  about,  and  I  can  find  them,  I  will  destroy  those  proofs  of  the  Duke's 


THE    king's    rival.  45 

trrason  They  can't  kill  me  for  it :  besiiles.  T'i)  swear  I  never  saw  them. 
W'hai  is  tliis ;'  •' Expenses  of  the  Kinif's  ducks."  '•  List  ol  the  ships 
at  Chatham  yard."  "Project  ot'  the  Canary  Comp.iny.'  "For  the 
Council!'  Ha,  yes!  '' fSoiemn  league*'  This  is  it!  He  is  saved — 
or  sluiii  be.      How  t.)  destroy  them  !      Ha  1  this  taper  ! 

EiUcr  King,  has/ili/,  u.  3  e  .  drcs.^ed.  ailcndcd  by  Ciiiffinch,  uho  cxiU  c.  d. 
Niii.LY,  drops  papers  at  table. 

Kniff.  Who's  there  ]     Mistress  Gwynnc  !     You  look  disturbed. 

iVf //.   So  do  you.      ^^'hat  is  the  matter  I 

King.  Nothing  in  especial  ;  oi.ly  a  litt'.e  more  treason  and  ingratitude 
than  usual  ;  and  then  the  kingdom  is  in  great  disorder. 

Ac.'l.  Ni-t  so  great  as  this  room.  I  trust.  What !  are  there  no  women 
in  this  house  to  set  matters  to  rights  a  little^ 

Kiii!X.  There  are  women  enow  in  this  house. 

Nell.  But  not  the  sort  of  women  that  set  things  to  rights,  eh  I  Can 
your  Mnjesty  bear  to  hear  the  truth  ! 

Kinif.  How  can  I  tell  !  'Tis  an  annoyance  I  have  never  yet  expe- 
rienced f.  oin  a  woman. 

Acll.   Ha  !   ha  I 

King.   Be  pleased  to  give  me  back  my  key,  mistress. 

Kdl.  \\'hat  !  may  I  not  keep  it  !  May  I  not  come  here  whenever  I 
please.     Will  Chiffinch  told  Mrs.  Davis  I  was  to  have  it  for  good  and  all 

King.  Kay  !  I  will  send  it  you  whenever  I  would  have  you  come. 
You  are  too  giddy  to  he  trusted  with  it. 

At//.  Weil,  there  is  your  key,  and  pray  heaven  your  Majesty  may 
never  trust  it  to  a  worse  woman  than  Nell  Gwynnc  ;  but  that's  past 
praying  for  while  you  have  such  as  Castlemaine  about  you. 

King.   Hey-day,  .Mistress  I 

Nell.  You  are  ;  they  trade  on  your  bad  qualities  ;  tliey  have  not  the 
wit  to  see  your  good  ones  ;  they  deceive  you  and  laugh  at  you,  and 
leave  you  here  in  a  dirty  slovenly  room,  without  even  a  fire,  though  'tis 
as  cold  as  a  Lenten  audience. 

KniiS.   No  ;   they  gave  me  a  fire,  but  it  has  gone  out. 

Nell.  Then,  suppose  we  light  it  a^rain  ! 

Krnrr,   It  is  somewhat  cold  I      I  will  order  the  rogues  to  light  it. 

Nell.  No,  no  ,  let  us  light  it  ourselves.  Shouldn't  you  like  to  learn 
how  to  light  a  fire  ! 

King,  [yairn.'i.]  Vcs  ;  I  think  I  ahould  like  to  learn  how  to  light  a 
fire.      Can  you  teach  me  ! 

Nell.  Noliody  belter  ;   I  have  lighted  hundreds. 

King.  With  your  eyes.  Nelly  ! 

Nell.  No,  Charles,  with  a  farlhin":  rushlight!  First  we  get  some 
wood.  Let's  see  ;  cliop  me  up  this  box.  What  are  you  looking  for  1 
Your  sword  will  do.  \^Kivg  ckoux  up  a  cedar  box.]  No — Sire  ;  get  the  bel- 
lows, [takes  paper  and  chips,  lishls  paper,  thrown  ctiipx  on  it.'\  Now, 
larger  wood  !  good  sport,  isn  t  it  !  Now,  you  blow,  and  I'll  [)ut  on  some 
pa|)er  lighted  to  draw  the  flames  through,  [ichilc  Knur  is  bloiinng,  she 
gets  Ireanonablc  paper,  and  puts  il  07i  fire.]     Blow  I     Harder  1     Thero 


46  THE    king's    rival. 

now.  [clapx  her  hands'^  tliat  is  the  ^pst  fire  I  ever  lighted.  Ha,  ha! — 
(for  it  has  saved  a  mail's  life) — ha  !   ha  !   [/auuh-s  hi/^s/crirallij] 

Kiiiir.  Wli.u  a  mad  merry  soul  it  is  ;  jou  must  often  come  to  see  mc. 
Odslisli !  ]  knuvv  not  whether  it  is  the  fire  or  your  airy  ludyshij),  but 
the  room  hcciiis  slrange'y  brighter. 

Nell.  Then,  suppose  we  sit  hy  the  fire,  now  'tis  lighted. 

King.  "\\  iih  ail  my  heart.     [J'hci/  draw  their  chairs  to  the  fire.'] 

Reenter  CuiFriNcii,  c.  d. 

Chif.  The  Clerk  of  the  Council  ! 

Kjn<:.   Hang  the  Clerk  of  the  Council ! 

V/iif.  He  conies  after  the  pajiers  for  my  Lord.s,  Sire. 

King;.   Ay,  these  ;   give  them  to  him. 

Nell.  (Just  in  time — thank  heaven  !) 

Kivg.   Well? 

Chif.   Sire,  Mistress  Stewart  craves  an  immediate  audience. 

Kin";.  Mistress  Stewart!  admit  her  instantly.  [/oNei-l.]  You  await 
the  while  in  that  room  ;  I  can't  part  with  you  yet ;  you  will  not  listen, 
hussy. 

Nell,  [.■iolemnly  ]  I  have  no  mean  faults,  your  Majesty.  (How  fond 
the  men  are  of  making  us  women  tell  lies  ;  he  knows  very  well  I  shall 
listen.)  [Exit,  R.  3  E. 

Enter  Miss  Stewart,  c.  d.,  ushered  in  by  Chiffincu,  who  exits  im- 
medialely,  c.  d. 

King.  What  can  I  do  for  your  service,  fair  Cousin  1 

Slew.  Sire,  I  come  to  take  my  leave  of  your  Majesty.  To-morrow  I 
retire  from  the  Court. 

King.  How  !  without  our  permission  '' 

atew.  No,  Sir  ;  I  shall  have  your  permission  ;  I  have  her  Majesty's, 
and  you  will  hardly  oppose  our  joint  desire  in  so  light  a  matter. 

King.  Light  matter  !  Frances,  would  you  take  from  me  the  one  face 
that  it  charms  me  to  look  on  !  ^\'ould  you  rob  my  Court  of  its  star  ; 
niy  heart  of  its  Queen  1 

Sten\  Sire  ;  it  is  best  we  part  ;  scandalous  tongues  have  been  busy 
both  with  your  credit  and  mine  ;  I  would  not  have  our  common  name 
sullied  either  in  your  person  or  my  own.  I  love  your  Majesty,  as  sub- 
jects should  love  their  King,  with  honor  and  respect  ;  I  always  would 
so  love  you  :  and  that  I  niay,  I  beseech  you  let  me  leave  this  place. 
\_ahout  to  /incel.} 

King,  [raise.i  her.]  Rise  !  rise  I  Leave  the  Court  ]  No  !  no  I  do 
not  decide  hastily. 

Slew.  I  have  thought  and  decided  ;  but,  before  I  go,  I  have  here  gifts 
of  your  Majesty's,  which  I  would  return,    [gives  casket.     King  opens  it.} 

King.  I'hese  pearls  ;  my  one  gift  to  you. 

Steio.  1  do  not  need  them  to  keep  your  Majesty's  goodness  in  T«mem- 
brance. 

King.    Pshaw!     They  were  the  oflerings  of  my  love. 

Stcir.  And  therefore  they  scorch  my  neck  in  the  wearing  Take 
them,  Sire 


THE    KINfi  S     RIVAL. 


47 


Kiv^.  Think  better  of  all  this.  Wait  here  a  few  minutes.  1  so  to 
open  the  Council.  That  done,  I  will  return,  and  jiive  you  convincing 
reasons  that  now  is  not  the  time  to  ilisrespoct  your  King;.  [Exi/.  c. 

S/ric.  Wliat  docs  he  mean  !  His  air  is  slranirrly  grave  !  There  is  a 
rlnud  about  hi.s  brow  I  never  saw  before. — It  tills  me  with  dim  terror — I 
linow  not  why.      I  will  wait  and  fathom  his  meanini;. 

Enter  RicH.MOND,  l. 

Rich.   My  Frances.     You  here  ! 

Slcii;.     Kiclimond!     My  own  dear  husband!     Ah,   if  yesterday  you 
had  found  me  tiiu.s  you  would  have  had  hard  thoughts  of  me. 
Jiu-.h.   All  that  is  past. 

IStao.   Oh  yes,  yes  !     You  gue«s  why  I  am  here. 

Rich.  Yes,  you  come  to  take  your  leave  of  this  corrupt  court,  and  to 
announce  our  marriage. 

Slcic.  Alas  I  I  am  a  woman  still,  and  still  a  coward.  1  was  here  to 
bid  the  King  farewell,  but  I  proposed  (forgive  me.  my  own  love,)  to  let 
none  know  our  happiness  till  we  should  be  far  off  out  of  hearing  of 
their  scandal — out  of  reach  of  their  malice. 

Rkli.  INot  so  ;  be  truer  to  yourself  Stand  by  me  as  I  tell  the  King 
the  truth,  and  tell  him.  too,  the  husband  of  Frances  .Stewart  must  either 
serve  his  country  and  his  King  in  some  honorable  post  or  live  with  you 
a  loving  and  a  quiet  life  at  home. 

Slcro.  Richmond,  you  are  better  than  I  am— you  are  more  fearless, 
and  therefore  are  you  more  true.  These  two  years  past  I  have  breathed 
the  air  of  a  court,  but  you  have  been  on  the  sea.  The  pure  breath  of 
heaven  lias  played  upon  your  face  ;  your  heart  has  still  been  strung  to 
danger  and  to  glory. — take  me  from  this  stilling  atmosphere  of  lies, — oh, 
take  me  away  !  away  to  the  great  sea  you  love  take  me  anywhere 
where  truth  is — raise  me  to  your  level,  my  honest  sailor  I — I  love  you — 
I  will  be  worthy  of  you.  \^Shc  embraces  him.  The  Kins'  stands  on 
threshold,  c]  No  more  equivocation — no  more  disguise.  We  are  Eng- 
lish— we  are  noble — we  are  one — we  will  defy  this  King  together  I 

King,     [adoancing.^     You  will  need   all  your  courage.    \_Richmovd 
uncovers.^ 
SteiP.  Ah  ! 

Kiric/.  Unhand  her,  sir — or  by  heaven 

Stew.  You  outrage  me,  sir,  in  threatening  him. 

King.  S' death,  madam  1  do  you  bring  your  lover  into  my  very  closet? 
Would  you  show  yourself  without  shame  as  well  as  ijratilude  ! 

Slew.  And  since  when  have  1  forfeited  a  woman's  right  to  choose 
whom  she  will  lovel  Am  I  the  first  English  maiden  who  has  prefer- 
red an  honorable  suit  to  one  that  was  all  insult,  though  a  king's  1  This 
tyranny  is  not  to  be  borne.  Yes,  Sire  !  know  that  1  love  the  Duke  of 
Richmond,  and  I  claim  a  freeborn  English  woman's  ri^ht  to  bestow  my 
hand  and  heart  on  the  man  I  choose.  "  Oh  !  I  know  that  your  Majesty's 
"  court  is  no  place  for  honorable  love,  but  I  am  leaving  your  court,  and 
"  leaving  it  I  throw  oH"  all  the  deceit  it  taught  me."  This  is  the  man  J 
.ove,  and  his  I  am  till  death  us  do  part. 

King.  That  may  be  sooner  than  you  think,  disloyal  lady. 


48  THE    king's    rival. 

Steto.  Iille  throats,  your  Majesty.  I  am  not  a  child,  nor  am  I  dig- 
loval,  as  you  well  know.  I  am  more  true  to  you  than  you  are  to  your- 
self. 

King.  Say  you  so !  I  shall  answer  you  better  when  I  find  a  certain 
pa[)er. 

Nell,  [■'ihnws  her  face  at  door,  r.  3  e.  radiant.  Asidc.^  The  paper  I 
burnt — find  it  if  you  can. 

Kins',   [rummasiti!^  ]   'Twas  on  this  table. 

Nell.  [«.vi(/e.]   Look  up  the  chimney  I 

Kins-  Tis  gone! — curse  on  it  —  between  this  and  the  council. 
Treason  sits  on  niy  very  footstool ;  but  tl)is  time  she  is  foiled.  Tlio 
paper  was  in  duplicate  ;   [opens  drawer.'\  here  is  that  duplicate. 

Nell.  [(iiiidc.'\   Lost!   lost! 

King.  Do  you  know  this] 

Slew.  The  ]japers  I  jr^^vc  your  Majesty  in  Spring  Gardens  Ithoufflit 
not  of  danger  when  I  took  that  paper  from  a  plaijue-spotted 'hand  to 
give  it  you.      You  should  not  have  called  me  disloyal. 

KiiKj.  Your  rebuke  is  just.  You  are  a  somewhat  cold-blooded  but 
certainly  loyal  body,  and  therefore  it  is  1  am  about  to  put  a  question  to 
j'ou  :  what  does  tlie  man  deserve,  who,  being  my  soldier,  vet  fights 
auainst  me  : — who,  drawing  honor  from  me,  vet  aims  at  my  throne  and 
life! 

Stew    He  deserves  death. 

Kmir.  But,  saj'  this  man  was  a  nobleman  1 

Slew.  Then  he  deserves  to  die  twice, — once  for  attacking  his  king — 
once  for  dishonoring  his  own  bloud. 

King  You  say  well.  Head  the  names  signed  to  this  paper — or  read 
but  one — here. 

Stew.  [Iicgnt.s  to  read  ]  Charles  Stewart,  [pauses  and  i^azes  first  at 
R,icHM0M)  then  nt  the  Kino  ] 

King.  Charles  Stewart.  Duke  of  Richmond.  Oh,  you  know  his 
signature,  you  have  seen  it  to  his  love  letters.  Duke  of  Ivichmond,  this 
lady's  hand  trave  me  the  proofs  of  your  guilt — this  lady's  tongue  has 
pronounced  your  doom, — the  scafiold.  Ah  !  you  love  Cromwell, — to 
Cromwell  you  shall  go  ! 

Slew.  No,  no!  This  is  delusion.  Richmond  —  speak,  belie  this 
writing — say  you  have  not  been  so  mad. 

liich.   I  w  as  mad. 

Slew.  Ah  !  1  drove  him  to  treason — betrayed  him  to  his  ruin.  I  have 
muiili'red  the  man  I  love. 

Riih.  Hush.  I''rnnces!  you  have  but  done  your  duty — my  imwortliy 
doubts,  they  ruined  me  1 

Sinn.   Mercy,  sire  !   mercy! 

Kivs    Mercy  for  lam  ! 

Slew.  No,  not  for  him,  but  for  me.  Oh  !  spare  my  life— it  is  bound 
Uj)  in  his. 

Kmis.  You  were  warned. 

Slew.  1  was  Oh  !  I  have  been  much  to  blame — forgive  me.  He 
loved  you  so — he  was  so  faithful — so  zealous  a  subject  until  we  drove 
him  to  dcsjiair. 


THE  king's  rival.  49 

King.  These  are  idle  words — here  is  his  handwriting. 

Slew.  No!  hero  is  his  true  handwriting.  See.  sir, — his  letter 
written  from  sea,  scarce  four  weclis  since, — read  it,  sir,  I  implore  you, 
— my  hand  shaices  so  I  cannot. — pray  read,  it  may  soften  your  heart 
towards  us. 

King,  [reads  coldly. "l  "  Sweetheart,  I  write,  with  tlie  Dutchmen  a 
short  mile  on  our  lee — how  I  may  fare  in  this  battle  rests  with  heaven. 
My  breath  is  my  king's,  as  my  heart  is  thine.  If  I  die.  tell  the  King 
he  had  no  truer  servant.  What  I  have  been  to  thee  thou  knowest. 
For  my  life,  I  would  I  had  ten  thousand  instead  of  one — "' 

Stcic  Oh,  no  I  'tis  not  so  cold.  You  read  his  words  but  not  his 
heart.  *•  For  my  life,  would  I  had  ten  thousand  instead  of  one,  to  give 
them  all  to  his  Majesty — my  last  thought  is  for  him  and  thee — and  my 
last  words  shall  be  loving  and  loyal  "  And  this  man  loved  not  the 
King  1  But  he  loved  rne, — and  he  is  not  like  you — his  love  is  not  given 
to  many.  Oh  !  think  what  it  must  be  to  live  but  for  one — and  to  see 
that  one  snatched  from  us  in  sport.  ("  He  was  the  poor  man  that  had 
but  one  lamb,  the  sole  joy  of  his  heart;  you  were  the  rich  man  that  had 
many  flocks  and  herds  ;  yet  who  must  rob  him  of  his  only  treasure.") 
Such  wrongs  have  driven  men  mad  in  every  age.  Oh  !  what  ice  is  at 
my  heart — what  lead  is  on  my  lips.  I  cannot  say  one  word  that  sounds 
like  love — but  I  can  die  for  you,  my  lord.  Well,  raise  the  axe.  Sire  ! 
he  has  offended  you — let  him  die — but  the  hour  h6  dies  I  shall  die  tool 

King.  Perdition  !     You  forget  to  whom  you  plead  for  your  lover. 

Utew.  Lover !     He  is  my  husband  ! 

King.  Your  husband  !     Now,  by  heaven 

Blew.  We  were  married  yesterday. 

ktfig.  Married  ! 

aicw.  It  was  I  who  proposed  this,  not  he.  I  could  not  bear  his 
doubts,  his  misery,  his  madness.  Have  pity  on  me!  It  is  too  horrible 
to  make  a  husband  fall  by  his  wife's  hand.  Your  whole  reign,  your 
*whole  life,  cry  out  against  such  monstrous  cruelly.  You  never  loved 
me,  or  you  could  not  kill  me.  No!  I  see  mercy  in  his  eye.  Oh!  do 
not  fight  against  your  own  generous  nature.  You  have  humbled  us — 
do  not  destroy  us.  By  the  name  of  Stewart  which  we  all  three  bear — 
by  the  bitter  sorrows  our  race  suffered  together — by  your  father's  head 
the  royal  martyr,  who  in  the  act  of  death  forgave  his  murderers — by 
your  own  hope  of  mercy  from  the  Eternal  King — T  implore  you,  on  my 
knees,  have  mercy  upon  poor  Frances  Stewart.  No  !  I  will  not  let  you 
go  till  you  grant  my  life.  Charles  !  my  dear  cousin  !  have  pity  on  me — 
pity  !  pity  !   [Famis.] 

Rich.  Frances  !     My  love  I     My  wife  !     My  crime  will  be  her  death 
[  Falls  on  his  knees  and  ncpforls  her  head. 

King.  Poor  souls  !  Stay,  sir!  we  are  rousrh  nurses — there's  a  wo- 
man here.  [Goes  hastily  to  door,  r.  3  e.,  and  beckons  Nell  Gwynne, 
vho  comes  hastily  in  and  helps  Richmond  fake  Miss  Stewart  tu  chair — 
gives  her Jlacon  lo  smell — King  mcJUalcs.^  How  they  love  one  another! 
If  I  take  his  life  she  will  hate  me.  [sadly.]  And  I  am  a  King,  and  must 
not  I)ope  to  have  anything  I  really  long  for.     Then  since  I  cannot  be 


50  TBS  king's  rival. 

anyt.iing  more  agreeable  I  will  be  a  king,  [puts  on  ris  hat — they  all  look 
at  hiin  with  anxicly.}  Ho,  ChilFmch  ! 

Re-cnlcr  Chiffinch,  c. 
Is  the  court  assembled  1  ^ 

Chif.  Yes,  Sire  ! 

Ktng.  Open  the  doors.  [Exit  Chiffinch,  c. 

Nell.  (L.)  \_lrcmblini:.']  Courage,  dear  lady — the  King  relents. 
King,  (c.)  Cousin  Frances  !  do  not  tremble — do  not  weep.  I  told 
you  I  loved  you  as  I  have  loved  no  other  woman — I  will  prove  it.  Cousin 
of  Richmond,  you  a»e  the  husband  of  Frances  Stewart.  I  am  not  so 
rich  as  my  brother  of  France.  I  can  give  you,  for  my  wedding  present, 
but  this  poor  slip  of  paper.  [gives  him  the  Ireasonablc  paper. 

Rich.  (e.  c.)  Oh,  Sire!  you  have  conquered  me  as  the  axe  never  con- 
quered a  gentleman. 

Slew.  (r.  c  )  He  has  conquered  himself — he  is  greater  than  a  king. 
[Richmond  and  Stewart  kics  the  King's   hands.     The  doors  are 
opened,  c.     The  Quekn  and  cmtrt  appear. 
King.  There  has  been  a  marriage  at  court — nobody  was  in  the  secret 
but   myself  [Quee.\  advances  into  closet.'^  Sutler   me   to   present  the 
Duke  and  Duchess  of  Richmond  to  your  Majesty.  [Duke,  Duchess,  and 
Queen  exchange  obeisances]  and  to  the  court  [Duke,  Duchess,  and  coiirt 
exchange  obeisance.t.'] 

King,  [too/cing  at  Nell,  who  laughs.]  Well,  Nelly,  have  we  done 
our  duty. 

Nell.  Indeed  you  have,  your  Majesty !  [crosses  to  King.]  You  have 
made  two  loving  hearts  happy,  and   I   am  happy!   [sli/hj.]   And  when 

your  Majesty  pleases,  I'll  help  you  to  light  another  fire 

King,  [confused  and  slopping  her.}  No,  no  !  And  since  our  hap|»iness 
is  complete  [taking  the  Queen's  hand.]  I  invite  your  Majesty  and  the 
court  to  accompany  me  to  the  playhouse,  and  if  Mistress  Nelly  has 
taught  us  a  lesson  here,  she  will  likewise  amuse  us  there. 

Nell.  It  is  our  desire,  your  Majesty,  while  we  amuse  to  improve  the 
mind — our  aim  is — 

By  nature's  study,  to  portray  most  clear, 

From  Beaumont,  Fletcher,  Johnson — immortal  Shakeitpeare — 
How  Kings  and  Princes,  by  our  mimic  art, 
Yield  their  sway,  and  applaud  the  actor's  part. 
The  Bard  of  Avon,  in  that  prolific  age, 
Traced  thoughts  upon  the  enduring  page ; 
Precepts  in  that  powerful  work  we  find, 
To  improve  the  morals  and  instruct  the  mind  ; 
There  he  holds,  as  'twere.  "  a  mirror  up  to  nature, 
"  Shows  scorn  her  own  image,  virtue  her  own  feature." 
To-night,  King,  Queen,  Lords  and  Ladies  act  their  part, 
Each  prompted  by  the  workings  of  the  heart ; 
And  Nelly  hopes  they  will  not  lose  their  cause — 
Nor  will  they — if  favored  by  your  applause. 
Ladies.       Queen.       Kino.      Nelly.       Stewart.      Richmond. 
O  O  0  o  O  0 

CuETAiN  Falls. 


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